Strikers boost top-order talent with England opener

Adelaide Strikers have added international firepower to their top order, recruiting England's Maia Bouchier for Weber WBBL|12.

Bouchier has penned a one-year deal with the club, joining left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone and South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt to round out the Strikers' overseas contingent.

The 27-year-old has been in red-hot form of late, having re-established herself in England's ODI side following the retirement of Tammy Beaumont in July.

She struck a one-day hundred against Ireland earlier this month, following it up with back-to-back centuries for Hampshire in county cricket, where she played alongside new Strikers teammate Amanda-Jade Wellington.

Bouchier fills the overseas slot occupied by Beaumont in WBBL|11, as she joins a second Big Bash club having previously played for the Melbourne Stars.

"I'm really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers and adding to an already talented squad," Bouchier, who will be reunited with former Southern Brave coach Luke Williams, said.

"They've built a strong reputation in the WBBL, and I'm looking forward to doing everything I can to help the group achieve success and make a deep run into the finals.

"I'm also thrilled to be reuniting with Luke Williams. We've worked together before and I have a lot of respect for him as a coach, so I'm looking forward to working with him again and getting to know my new teammates."

Bouchier made her T20I debut against New Zealand in 2021 and has played 48 matches for England in the format.

Her most recent appearance came against New Zealand in May this year, before the return of captain Natalie Sciver-Brunt from injury and opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge from parental leave squeezed her out of England's T20 World Cup squad.

Williams said Bouchier's attacking style and experience would suit the Strikers.

"Maia is an outstanding talent and someone who has established herself as one of the most exciting batters in international cricket," Williams said in a statement.

"She brings a proven ability to score quickly at the top of the order, as well as valuable experience from playing in major competitions around the world.

"Having worked with Maia before, I know the quality she possesses both as a player and as a person. We're delighted to welcome her to the Strikers and look forward to seeing the impact she can have this season."

The Strikers have now confirmed 10 players for the upcoming season, with five spots left to fill.

Coach: Luke Williams

 

List spots filled: 10

 

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

 

In: Maia Bouchier (Stars)

 

Out: Tammy Beaumont

 

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