WNCL preview: New recruits add to Scorpions' depth

That the South Australian Scorpions were able to fight their way into last year's WNCL final without the likes of Tahlia McGrath, Megan Schutt and Darcie Brown is a testament to the work coach Luke Williams continues to lead in developing the strength and depth of South Australian cricket.

This depth will hold the Scorpions in good stead heading into the upcoming season with several star performers such as McGrath, Schutt, Brown and possibly Amanda-Jade Wellington set to miss chunks of the season due to international duties.

New recruit Maddie Penna continues to develop her power hitting game and will slot in well to the Scorpions middle-order, alongside ever-improving young guns Courtney Webb and Josie Dooley, who will take the gloves full-time after Tegan McPharlin's retirement.

Bridget Patterson and Emma de Broughe formed a steady opening partnership last season, and with the in-form superstar McGrath batting at three, it's an imposing top order.

Combined with the talented and varied bowling attack spearheaded by Australian duo Brown and Schutt, and the spin of Wellington and Barsby, the Scorpions are shaping as a formidable opponent.

Last year's WNCL result: 2nd (4 wins, 2 losses, 2 NR)

Contract list: Jemma Barsby, Sam Betts, Darcie Brown (CA contracted), Emma de Broughe, Josie Dooley, Ellie Falconer, Paris Hall, Brooke Harris, Tahlia McGrath (CA contracted), Annie O'Neil, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Kate Peterson, Megan Schutt (CA contracted), Courtney Webb, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Ella Wilson

Ins: Madeline Penna (ACT), Ella Wilson, Paris Hall

Outs: Tegan McPharlin (retired), Alex Price (delisted), Eliza Doddridge (delisted)

Image Id: F34485E45FFE46C39CC2B428FE7C6E04 Image Caption: Strikers hard-hitting middle-order batter Maddie Penna has joined SA from the ACT // Getty

Possible best XI: Patterson, de Broughe, McGrath, Dooley, Webb, Penna, Wellington, Barsby, Falconer, Schutt, Brown

Aussie player availability: There's no denying the Scorpions line-up looks significantly different without the likes of McGrath, Schutt, Brown and Wellington who are all in the mix for the Australian team.

The Australian players are expected to be available for the first two rounds of matches in September and early October ahead of WBBL|08, and for the fourth round of games in early January ahead of the home ODI and T20I series against Pakistan.

However, December's tour of India will rule those selected out of the matches played immediately after the WBBL, and the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa next February will overlap with the final two rounds as well as the final, to be played on February 25.

The inside word with head coach Luke Williams

The pre-season: "It's been a little bit different over the last couple of months with different staff and some players being away, but we've been able to keep connected, and we had some time together at the start of pre-season, which was handy.

"Now we've got everyone back together, we've been over in Perth for a couple of practice games as well and we played some good cricket so we're really happy with the preseason so far.

"Everyone's just excited the season is on the doorstep now. There's a real energy and spirit about having the full squad back together.

"Everyone's delighted with the full home-and-away season. We know that the strength of our domestic competitions is so important to Australia's success, so it's a wonderful competition and everyone can't wait for it to start."

Player to watch: "Courtney Webb had a really strong season last year and has continued with a really strong pre-season, so I'm looking forward to watching her play and hopefully build on her success from last year.

"She made 90 in the final against her old state last year and won the McCauley Medal (the SACA award for best WNCL player) so she had a terrific season in Adelaide last year and we think she's got huge potential to continue to progress her game which is one of the most exciting things for us."

Young gun: "Emma de Broughe had a breakout season last year, she scored three half centuries and continues to develop her game. We're really excited about Emma's potential and her contributions for the Scorpions this season and beyond."

"She's also a talented hockey player and in the past has probably combined both sports but has taken a step back with the hockey to focus on cricket which has been great for us and the program."

Biggest strength: "We've got a really strong bowling attack when everyone is fit, firing and available. So certainly, we're looking for our bowling group to stand up and really challenge top orders.

"The senior players, Megan (Schutt) and Tahlia (McGrath), in particular have been really important to our program and our squad in driving standards so you can't underestimate their influence on this group for a long time."

Areas for improvement: "Although we made the final last season, I think we're really aware of how strong the WNCL competition is, you only have to look at all seven contracted squads to know to know exactly how strong it's going to be

"So for us, I think it's still some consistency in our game across the three facets – batting, bowling and fielding – that we feel like we've improved over the last couple of seasons, but we've still got some work to do.

"We think that consistency is what we need to continue to improve on to challenge the best teams in the in the competition and to take it one step further, which is obviously where we'd love to be."

Schedule:

Sep 23 v Victoria, Karen Rolton Oval

Sep 25 v Victoria, Karen Rolton Oval

Dec 18 v ACT, Manuka Oval

Dec 20 v ACT, Manuka Oval

Jan 4 v Western Australia, WACA Ground (D/N)

Jan 6 v Western Australia, WACA Ground (D/N)

Feb 6 v Tasmania, Blundstone Arena

Feb 8 v Tasmania, Blundstone Arena

Feb 17 v Queensland, Karen Rolton Oval

Feb 19 v Queensland, Karen Rolton Oval