Kiwi gun to head west again, Scorchers squad takes shape

Legendary allrounder Sophie Devine will feature in WBBL|12 after re-committing to Perth Scorchers on a one-year deal.

The New Zealand gun returns for her seventh season in orange, becoming a fixture in the west since joining the club from the Adelaide Strikers ahead of WBBL|06.

She now stands as the Scorchers' second-highest run-scorer in history (her 2,021 runs sits behind only Beth Mooney's 3,024) and the third most prolific wicket-taker (64) at the club.

Devine was the club's captain last season, going all the way to the final where Perth fell to Hobart Hurricanes by eight wickets. 

"I'm passionate about playing for the Scorchers and I'm feeling really grateful to have re-signed for another year," Devine said in a statement.

"It was disappointing not to go all the way last year but looking forward to hopefully pushing one step further.

"We've got a great core group of players, a strong mix of local talent alongside some exciting overseas players, and I'm confident we can continue to grow as a team again this year."

Devine is the 10th Scorcher locked in for the new season and the second international after England allrounder Freya Kemp was announced on Thursday.

WBBL|12 Squad: Chloe Ainsworth, Sophie Devine (NZD), Amy Edgar, Ebony Hoskin, Freya Kemp (ENG), Alana King, Katie Mack, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Ruby Strange.

There are still five list spots left to fill including space for another overseas import.

Although she recently retired from international cricket, the 37-year-old is still a valuable commodity to any T20 franchise.

She began this winter's Hundred with scores of 52, 38 and 35no for the Welsh Fire where she was captain, but her tournament ended prematurely, with a calf injury limiting her to only four matches.

That setback isn't expected to impact Devine's WBBL campaign.

"Sophie has been an integral part of the Scorchers family for a number of years, and we're delighted she'll be back in orange again this season," said Scorchers general manager Kade Harvey.

"Her experience, leadership and ability to influence games in crucial moments make her one of the premier players in world cricket and a hugely valuable member of our squad."

The Scorchers' season begins on October 31 when they host Melbourne Renegades at the WACA Ground.

Coach: Becky Grundy

 

List spots filled: 10

 

Contracted for WBBL|12: Chloe Ainsworth, Sophie Devine (New Zealand), 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: Paige Scholfield (England)