Star power to fuel Fury in 2015-16

Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars opener Nicole Bolton will captain a new-look Western Fury outfit aiming to break through for a maiden Women’s National Cricket League title in 2015-16.

Bolton has returned to the Alcohol. Think Again Fury after one year in Victoria, bringing with her Southern Stars teammates Elyse Villani and Jess Cameron.

Left-hander Bolton was a shining light for WA in the 2013-14 season and earned a call-up to the Southern Stars in January 2014, when she became the first Australian woman to make an ODI century on debut.

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Fellow opener Villani and the big-hitting Jess Cameron will also strengthen the Fury’s batting line-up this season, while former Tasmania player Katie Hartshorn is another addition to the squad.

The Fury also have a new coach in Mark Atkinson, while they will be without marquee international Suzie Bates, with the New Zealand captain unavailable due to international commitments.

England skipper Charlotte Edwards has also not returned for 2015-16 - but will play for the Perth Scorchers in the Women’s Big Bash League - while spinner Mel Holmes has retired.

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The Fury finished seventh in the WNCL last season, with just one win from seven matches, but are eager to improve under former Tasmania wicketkeeper Atkinson.

"It is a completely new set-up,” Atkinson said.

"I’m a new coach, we’ve got three Australian players who weren’t in the set-up last year.

"It’s about trying to create a culture and environment for excellence. It’s very exciting and we’re going to be ambitious.”

In addition to their Southern Stars recruits, the Fury squad boasts the young talents of Megan Banting, Piepa Cleary, Heather Graham, Chloe Piparo and Gemma Triscari, who earned Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars recognition last year.

The Fury will begin their 2015-16 WNCL campaign on October 9 against the Lend Lease Breakers.

Squad: Nicole Bolton (c), Megan Banting, Emma Biss, Melissa Cameron, Jess Cameron, Piepa Cleary, Bhavisha Devchand, Heather Graham, Katie Hartshorn, Emma King, Chloe Piparo, Nicky Shaw, Gemma Triscari, Elyse Villani, Jenny Wallace