Young allrounder Emily Leys is the latest WBBL signing unveiled by the Sydney Sixers
Sixers sign NSW young gun Leys
The Sydney Sixers have secured one of New South Wales’ most promising young talents, signing allrounder Emily Leys for the inaugural season of the Women’s Big Bash League.
The left-arm medium pace bowler and handy middle-order batter is a member of the NSW Academy squad and made her debut for the Lend Lease Breakers last season.
The 22-year-old already has one surprising connection to a Sydney Sixers teammate – during high school, she played alongside fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for two years.
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Her own school did not have a cricket team, so Leys instead joined Hazlewood’s men’s team in Tamworth.
“I follow the Sixers in the men’s and they have a really exciting group coming into the Big Bash so it was a pretty easy decision in the end,” Leys said.
Leys, who starred for NSW at Under 15, Under 17 and Under 18 levels, said she was excited about the changes being made to women’s cricket this summer.
“I know just among the players we’re all really excited just to get out there so I can imagine the spectators have got a similar attitude towards it,” she said.
“Seeing how well the men have gone and just getting that extra exposure is going to be awesome.
“I always go out and watch the games (at the SCG), Sixers and the Test matches, and it’s such a great ground so definitely it’s one of the biggest opportunities any female cricketer could have.”
Sixers WBBL Coach Ben Sawyer said Leys was a great inclusion due to her team mentality.
“Emily is a player that everyone wants in their team,” Sawyer said.
“She always puts the team first and is willing to contribute off the field to help others around her become better players.”
Leys joins Southern Stars allrounder Ellyse Perry and wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy in the Sixers squad.
The Sixers will kick off their WBBL season against Sydney Thunder on December 6.
Sydney Sixers: Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Emily Leys