Villani finds new voice in WBBL|04

You won’t just see Elyse Villani light up television screens around Australia this summer with her exploits in the middle, you’ll also be hearing her.

The Australia and Perth Scorchers batter is dipping her toes into television commentary this Rebel WBBL season and has already enjoyed two stints behind the microphone for Channel Seven – the first during the opening Big Weekend in Melbourne, and again in Sydney the following weekend.

And she's already providing expert insight as well as her share of laughs, including this amusing exchange with mic'ed up Australian teammate and Sydney Sixers wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy.

For the 29-year-old, who was part of Australia’s winning World T20 team in the Caribbean last month, it’s a chance to develop some new skills that could stand her in good stead when she does eventually call time on her playing career.

“It’s something I was chatting to (CA broadcast manager) Penelope (Herbert) about,” Villani, who also completed a High Performance Level 3 coaching course this year, explained.

“I’m starting to look to things post cricket and making sure I’m continuing to develop myself off the field.

“I can’t play this game forever, as much as I’d love to, so it’s about dipping my toes in the water and seeing what else is out there.

“The opportunity came up and I’d like to think I’m on work experience in the commentary team.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m definitely looking to do more of that and fit it in with my playing schedule, and hopefully the job offer comes my way post cricket.”

While Villani is dabbling in life in the commentary box, she’s also enjoying a productive WBBL|04 with the bat so far.

After six innings for the Scorchers, she sits second on the overall league runs table – behind only national teammate Ellyse Perry – with 233 runs at 46.60.

She’s scored two half-centuries to go alongside knocks of 32, 45, 5 and 41, enjoying a chance to return to the top after batting in the middle order for Australia at the World T20, but – perhaps surprisingly – Villani says it’s been hard work.

“I’m enjoying batting against the new ball with only two (fielders) out, but in saying that I found it difficult to get started (in a) couple of games, I feel like the middle and the end of my innings is coming along well but it’s about looking at the vision and making sure I’m starting a bit stronger and making the most of the power play.

“In the middle order (for Australia) it’s either feast or famine, which is Matthew Mott’s favourite saying, and it’s completely true because you’re not sure when your opportunities are coming.

“(But) in the WBBL I know I’ll be opening and I know I’ve got the opportunity to bat, so it’s about enjoying that opportunity and making sure I make the most of it.”

Villani has also had one unexpected added responsibility in WBBL|04. After handing the captaincy back to national skipper Meg Lanning, who is playing her first season for the club after missing WBBL|03 due to shoulder surgery, she spent just one game as deputy before again being called upon as leader with Lanning forced to the sidelines with a back complaint.

Lanning has travelled back to Perth with the Scorchers squad and will train this week in the hopes of making a return against the Melbourne Renegades this weekend.

“I do enjoy it, I captained the girls last year when Meg was out,” Villani said.

“When Meg’s fit and firing and back in the team know she’ll take over and do a wonderful job and I’ll be happy to support her but it’s certainly something I enjoy doing and the girls are brilliant to captain.”