Scorpions sign former England skipper

South Australia will boast one of the game’s most successful players in their ranks this summer, after signing former England captain Charlotte Edwards for their Women’s National Cricket League title defence.

Edwards called stumps on her 20-year international career in May after England’s World T20 campaign ended at the hands of Australia in the semi-final in late March.

Having represented England in 23 Tests, 191 one-day internationals and 95 Twenty20s, Edwards’ record is unparalleled in the women’s game.

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The 38-year-old is the leading run-scorer in ODIs (5,992) and T20s (2,605) and remained in fine form during the World T20 in India, finishing as England’s leading run scorer for the tournament.

"I’m really excited about this opportunity with South Australia, especially with the growth of women’s cricket in Australia at an all-time high,” Edwards said. 

"The lure of training and playing at Adelaide Oval was an opportunity too good to refuse and off the back of last year’s title, I want to help them achieve sustained success.”

Edwards had previously played for Western Australia in the WNCL and lined up for the Perth Scorchers in last summer’s Women’s Big Bash League, but it remains to be seen whether she will line up for the Adelaide Strikers in WBBL|02.

Her leadership experience will prove as handy as her skills with the bat, after Breezair SA Scorpions skipper Lauren Ebsary announced her domestic retirement last month.

Experienced spinner Hannah Perry has also retired from the WNCL, while the Scorchers will be without England star Sarah Taylor – whose batting was instrumental in South Australia’s historic maiden title win last summer – after she announced in May she was taking an extended break from the game to battle anxiety.

"I came to know Charlotte during my time as CEO of the MCC and have always admired her as a cricketer and role model,” SACA Chief Executive Keith Bradshaw said.

"She is one of the great icons of world cricket and we are delighted to have signed her. 

"Her experience within cricket but more importantly with her leadership qualities will be wonderful for the Breezair SA Scorpions squad and for our women’s program.”

The Scorpions have yet to unveil a new captain for 2016-17, but Edwards will join a talented squad featuring current Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars quick Megan Schutt and former Australia bowler Sarah Coyte.

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South Australia’s squad also boasts some of the most exciting young talent in the country, with Shooting Stars development squad members Amanda Wellington, Alex Price, Bridget Patterson and Tahlia McGrath.

The Scorpions have included two other new faces in their 2016-17 squad, Brooke Harris and Jordan Doecke.

WNCL squads 2016-17

SA Scorpions squad:  Sam Betts, Sarah Coyte, Jordan Doecke, Charlotte Edwards, Brooke Harris, Sarah Lowe, Tahlia McGrath, Tegan McPharlin, Bridget Patterson, Brittany Perry, Katelyn Pope, Alex Price, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington

ACT Meteors: Lily Bardsley, Samantha Bates, Kris Britt, Kira Churchland, Jodie Fields, Nicole Goodwin, Nicola Hancock, Jodie Hicks, Claire Koski, Emily Leys, Katie Mack, Rebecca Maher, Erin Osborne, Angela Reakes

Queensland Fire: Delissa Kimmince (c), Jemma Barsby, Holly Ferling, Grace Harris, Courtney Hill, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Jessica Jonassen, Bethany Mooney, Kara Sutherland, Kirby Short, Georgia Prestwidge, Haidee Birkett, Taylah Brotherston, Tess Cooper

Tasmania Roar: Erin Burns, Katelyn Fryett, Corrine Hall, Brooke Hepburn, Julie Hunter, Erin Lawler, Sasha Moloney, Meg Phillips, Veronica Pyke, Celeste Raack, Georgia Redmayne, Emma Thompson (two spots to be finalised)

VicSpirit: Kristen Beams, Makinley Blows, Hayleigh Brennan, Jess Cameron, Sarah Elliott, Emma Inglis, Hayley Jensen, Emma Kearney, Alana King, Kirsty Lamb, Meg Lanning (c), Anna Lanning, Sophie Molineux, Molly Strano

Western Fury: Nicole Bolton, Elyse Villani, Megan Banting, Emma Biss, Melissa Cameron, Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Bhavi Devchand, Heather Graham, Katie Hartshorn, Emma King, Chloe Piparo (two spots to be finalised)

NSW Breakers have yet to name their 2016-17 squad.