Ellyse Perry says extra batting talent is the missing ingredient for the Sixers as they aim to go one better in WBBL|02
Sixers target world-class batter
The Sydney Sixers have their sights set on a world-class batter as they look to go one better in the second edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, skipper Ellyse Perry has revealed.
The Sixers stormed their way into the WBBL|01 final after losing their first eight matches last summer, only to stumble at the final hurdle against local rivals Sydney Thunder.
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Perry said the Sixers knew what they needed to add to the mix if they wanted to go one better in WBBL|02.
"We’d really like to add another batter to our squad and to our line up," Perry said.
"I think at different points last season we were one batter short.
"I know (coach) Ben Sawyer and (general manager) Dominic Remond have been doing a lot of searching to find someone to fill that spot and hopefully we’re pretty close to doing that now.”
Perry stopped short of naming which batters might be in the Sixers’ sights, but they should have room for at least one more international star on their roster next season.
The Sixers have not confirmed any signings for WBBL|02, but are taking a squad of 10 players to a preseason training camp in Dubai next month, including Perry, fellow Southern Star Alyssa Healy and New Zealand star Sara McGlashan.
The Sixers also had impressive South Africa allrounder Marizanne Kapp in their ranks last summer and would likely be keen to retain her services, but have yet to confirm her return.
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However former Southern Star Lisa Sthalekar, who retired in early 2013, will no longer be categorised as an international player this season, leaving room for at least one more international in the Sixers ranks.
Perry also issued a warning to the rest of the WBBL, declaring the Sixers will have unfinished business after losing the final to the Thunder.
"We didn’t by any means have a perfect season last year, we battled through matches and scraped wins and lost a lot matches too.
"But we learned a lot and the fact we made final is a really positive thing.
"Hopefully now everyone’s had that experience it can go a little bit smoother.
"I had an incredible time last season but there’s a sense of unfinished business in the squad and we know where we to take the team next season."
A key part of the Sixers’ preseason will be their six-day preseason camp in Dubai, where they will train alongside the Sydney Thunder at the International Cricket Council’s Academy and play each other in a practice match at the Sheikh Zayed International Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
"It’s just really exciting as a group to go to Dubai on a preseason camp to get ready for wbbl02 and celebrate what was successful and fun first season in the WBBL," Perry said.
"They have world class facilities there and we’ll get to have a hit on turf nets when it’s the middle of winter back home.
"Not many people have that opportunity at this time of year."