Perth have re-signed a rising England allrounder in their first move of the contracting period
Scorchers reveal first overseas signing ahead of WBBL|12
Perth Scorchers have locked in their first piece of the puzzle of the Weber WBBL|12 signing period, securing Freya Kemp's return for a second season in orange.
The England pace-bowling allrounder is the first signing to the revealed by the club since the contract embargo lifted last month, and Perth's first confirmed overseas player.
Kemp, 21, has established herself in England's best T20I XI, showing her quality against Australia in the T20 World Cup final at Lord's in July, hitting an unbeaten 44 from 28 deliveries.
The left-hander hit 193 runs at a strike rate of 147.32 in 12 innings for the Scorchers in WBBL|11, producing a series of impactful cameos in the middle-order including a 19-ball 35 in The Knockout against the Melbourne Stars.
"Freya made a strong impact during her time with us last season and we’re delighted to welcome her back to Scorchers for Weber WBBL|12," Perth Scorchers General Manager Kade Harvey said.
"She’s an incredibly talented young player whose best cricket is still ahead of her, and her ability to contribute at the end of our innings adds tremendous value to our squad.
"Just as importantly, Freya embraced our team environment and culture, and we’re excited to see her continue building on those connections this summer."
While the Scorchers have been the slowest off the mark to begin revealing their WBBL|12 signings, plenty more news is expected out of the Perth camp in the coming weeks.
They had already secured their star-studded core for the upcoming season with Australia stars Beth Mooney and Alana King on multi-year deals alongside rising quick Chloe Ainsworth, spinners Amy Edgar and Lilly Mills and experienced batter Katie Mack.
Captain Sophie Devine, who called time on her international career with New Zealand in July, was off contract at the end of last season, as was Perth's other import, England's Paige Scholfield.
Kemp's signing continues an English influx for the upcoming season.
So far, 12 players from England have been signed for WBBL|12 with more expected, alongside West Indians Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin, South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt, New Zealand's Amelia Kerr and Ireland's Orla Prendergast.
"I loved my time with the Scorchers last season, and I’m really excited to be coming back for another year," Kemp said.
"The group was incredibly welcoming from day one and it was a fantastic environment to be part of, both on and off the field.
"I’m looking forward to getting back to Perth, working hard with the team and hopefully helping contribute to a successful season."
Coach: Becky Grundy
List spots filled: 9
Contracted for WBBL|12: Chloe Ainsworth, Amy Edgar, Ebony Hoskin, Freya Kemp (England), Alana King, Katie Mack, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Ruby Strange
Uncontracted: Maddy Darke, Mikayla Hinkley, Shea Manolini, Chloe Piparo
WBBL|11 overseas players: Sophie Devine (New Zealand), Paige Scholfield (England)
The biggest local names are locked away, with Beth Mooney, Alana King and Katie Mack all on the books for WBBL|12 alongside rising quick Chloe Ainsworth.