Strikers sequel beckons for England's Ecclestone

Sophie Ecclestone will don Strikers blue once again in WBBL|12 as Adelaide's hunt for a first finals appearance since their title-winning WBBL|09 campaign continues.

Ecclestone's recruitment last summer completed a star-studded international trio of South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt and England's Tammy Beaumont, however the Strikers still fell short of a finals berth after a season compounded by narrow losses and bizarre incidents.

The Strikers had three matches without a result across WBBL|12 — one due to a ball being inadvertently rolled into the pitch during the change of innings — and suffered two one-run defeats at the hands of the Scorchers and Sixers, ending the season with a 3-4 ledger from a possible 10 matches to finish in sixth.

Ecclestone was the Sixers' first pick of the now-scrapped international player draft in WBBL|10, however was snapped up by the Strikers for WBBL|11 when Sydney opted to chase batting firepower and recruit fellow England international Sophia Dunkley.

The left-armer came agonisingly close to the perfect comeuppance as the Strikers and Sixers battled it out for the final spot in top four last season, however was run out off the final ball after failing get back for a second run that would have forced a Super Over finish and potentially squeezed her new side into fourth spot.

"We have an incredibly talented squad, with a great mix of experienced match-winners and exciting young talent," Ecclestone said in a statement.

"I can't wait to get back around the group and continue building on what we achieved last season. We're determined to take the next step and put ourselves in a strong position to push for finals."

Working in tandem with Strikers stalwart Amanda-Jade Wellington, Ecclestone finished her first WBBL season in blue with six wickets at an average of 39.50; more than double her previous season average of 18.90 for the Sixers which yielded an 11-wicket return.

Ecclestone is coming off an eight-wicket campaign in The Hundred for Manchester Super Giants at a superb economy rate of 5.65, which was second to only Charlie Dean (5.60) for the season.

The 27-year-old is the second high-profile England international to sign with the Strikers for the Big Bash summer with Ben Stokes committing to the full season with Adelaide following his sudden retirement from international cricket in June.

South African import and reigning club champion Laura Wolvaardt is already locked in for this season after penning a two-year deal at the end of WBBL|10, while last season's opening partner Tammy Beaumont is yet to sign for WBBL|12.

WBBL|11 result: Sixth (3 wins, 4 losses, 3 no results)

  

Coach: Luke Williams

 

List spots filled: 9

 

Contracted for WBBL|12: Darcie Brown, Sophie Ecclestone (England), Ellie Johnston, Eleanor Larosa, Tahlia McGrath, Bridget Patterson, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)

 

Uncontracted: Jemma Barsby, Anesu Mushangwe, Maddie Penna, Tabatha Saville, Ella Wilson, Maggie Clark (LRP), Emmerson Filsell (LRP)

 

Other WBBL|11 overseas players: Tammy Beaumont (England)