Major re-signings across the WBBL

Sydney Sixers have re-signed Australia trio Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner ahead of this summer's Rebel WBBL.

The Sixers, who are the reigning champs, have again secured the star trio's services for the summer, with all three also set to play a key role for their country when the Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes begins on October 22 in Brisbane.

Perry said she was delighted with the Sixers' success so far but was looking ahead at improvements in WBBL|03.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to play with the Sixers, and it's been a thrill to be a part of some of the success we've achieved," the star allrounder said.

"It's also really exciting to know there is still lots of room left for the squad to develop.

"We have worked really hard to build a strong culture at the Club where players and staff really enjoy the whole experience of the WBBL, so I'm looking forward to another great summer.

"It's going to be a really great challenge for us to try and re-win the title this year, but it's also a really exciting chance to push this group to a new level and hopefully play a more exciting and inspiring brand of attacking cricket."

Beaumont back with the Strike Force

Meanwhile, England's World Cup winning star Tammy Beaumont will return to the Adelaide Strikers this summer.

Beaumont, who was voted 'Player of Tournament' in July after scoring the most runs in the World Cup, joins New Zealand pair Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine as the overseas recruits in the squad for WBBL|03.

Having arrived in Australia on Monday with the England squad ahead of the Women’s Ashes series, Beaumont is excited to spend the next few months Down Under.

"Adelaide was always my first choice to come back, I really enjoyed last year so I am very excited to be back in blue and hopefully have more success as a team this year," said Beaumont, who topped the Strikers’ run scorers in WBBL|02 with 276, including three fifties.

"We unfortunately couldn't put many complete performances together last season and I was disappointed personally with how I started (the tournament). Not having played in Australia before, it took a bit of time to adapt to the conditions.

"At the start of WBBL|03 I will be just coming off the back of the T20 matches in the Ashes series, so that will be great for my game."

Thunder announce two signings

Sydney Thunder have announced the re-signing of Naomi Stalenberg on a one-year deal, while Lisa Griffiths becomes the newest member of the Thunder Nation as she takes a big step forward in her comeback to the game.

Stalenberg has played 29 matches for the Thunder and also made her international debut against India early last year.

“We’ve got an experienced side," Stalenberg said. 

It’s important for me to learn off them as well as the senior players and internationals so I can become a senior player myself.”

Griffiths is in line to make her first appearance in the WBBL after taking an extended break from the game prior to last year.

“I’ve kept an eye on the Big Bash,” said Griffiths.

“But I knew I couldn’t come back and play at fifty percent, if I was going to come back, I had to play it well and play hard.

“Naomi is one of my best friends, we’ve known each other for a long time and I’m lookin forward to getting back on the park with her.

I’m also looking forward to playing with Alex Blackwell, she’s a cricketer I really look up to on and off the field.”

Hurricanes lock in two more

Hobart Hurricanes also added two more players to their squad for WBBL|03, rounding out a big day of player announcements across the league.

Veronica Pyke and Katelyn Fryett will be back in purple this summer as Hobart look to improve upon their semi-final defeat last season.

“We definitely want to take out the WBBL title. I’m looking forward to playing some entertaining and engaging cricket with the girls,” said Pyke.

“Each season the scores get higher and the competition more fierce, so we’ll need to bring some big hitting and continuous wicket taking this season.”

Launceston local Fryett is excited about the opportunity to bring elite cricket to her hometown for two clashes on December 30 & 31.

“We are so lucky to have such great supporters all over Tasmania and it will be extra special for me this year with a WBBL/BBL double header in my home town of Launceston,” she said. 

“One of the best things about being part of the Hurricanes squad is getting out into the community and promoting cricket to young boys and girls.

“The success of the WBBL has been fantastic in highlighting the pathway for young girls to pursue a career in cricket and I am excited to help grow that in Tasmania.”