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In an exciting development for cricket enthusiasts worldwide, a cohort of accomplished England cricketers have officially confirmed their participation in the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) draft, scheduled to unfold on September 3. With anticipation building, quite a few esteemed English stars have thrown their hats into the ring, a revelation that has been unveiled by cricket.com.au.
Among the illustrious names eagerly awaiting the draft, two luminaries stand out as the torchbearers of England’s formidable presence. The revered England captain, Danni Wyatt, and the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler, Sophie Ecclestone, are poised to headline the draft’s roster, sparking waves of excitement within the cricketing community.
Notably, Wyatt could find herself retained by the Brisbane Heat. Wyatt’s memorable performance in England’s Ashes resurgence, including a blazing 76 off 46 balls, has solidified her reputation as a force to be reckoned with. Similarly, Ecclestone’s debut season in the WBBL last summer under the banner of the Sydney Sixers was nothing short of spectacular. With an impressive tally of 20 wickets, she played an instrumental role in propelling her team to the final, capturing the admiration of fans and opponents alike.
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The overseas players vying for selection in the draft have the opportunity to nominate across three distinct categories – Gold (AUD$90,000), Silver (AUD$65,000), and Bronze (AUD$40,000). Subsequently, the most prominent figures will be elevated to the elite platinum bracket, which offers a reward of AUD$110,000, as meticulously curated by the BBL.
Promising English batters set to enthrall WBBL 2023
Adding to the allure of the upcoming WBBL season are a cohort of exceptionally talented English batters, poised to captivate audiences with their prowess on the field.
Tammy Beaumont, a gifted batter who recently made waves with a century in The Hundred Women’s 2023, stands as a potential retention pick for the Sydney Thunder. Similarly, the dynamic England captain, Heather Knight‘s absence during the previous WBBL season, owing to an injury, did little to diminish her allure. She remains eligible for retention by the Sydney Thunder, adding an intriguing twist to her potential seventh campaign in the tournament.
Furthermore, the exciting young talent Alice Capsey, widely acknowledged as one of the game’s rising stars, is in the mix for the draft. Having showcased her skills with the Melbourne Stars in the previous season, Capsey’s inclusion adds a layer of anticipation to the competition.
Bowlers Primed to Unleash Their Charisma on the Field
The WBBL draft has also garnered attention from the bowling fraternity, as a triumvirate of adept bowlers has tossed their names into the selection hat. Sarah Glenn, Issy Wong, and Lauren Bell are all vying for the chance to make their mark on the tournament.
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Glenn’s impactful stint with the Perth Scorchers in 2020, during which she claimed 17 wickets in 14 games, adds a seasoned touch to the draft. Wong, the 21-year-old prodigy, carries intriguing history with the Hobart Hurricanes, who hold her retention rights. Despite a setback due to injury last season, her potential impact remains a tantalizing prospect. Bell, on the other hand, is poised to embark on her WBBL journey, bringing an air of mystery to her impending appearance.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
