Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
The Perth Scorchers are thrilled to announce the re-signing of international superstar Sophie Devine for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League season, alongside fellow Team of the Tournament selection Alana King.The world’s premier allrounder is set to scintillate in orange for a second season, boosting the Club’s ambitions of securing a maiden WBBL title in 2021.
The Player of the Tournament in WBBL|06, Devine took out the competition’s top individual honour after a campaign that saw her score 448 runs at a strike rate of 130.23 to go with her five wickets.
She ended the regular season third on the runs table despite missing two matches with a back injury and was critical in helping the Scorchers reach the finals.
By securing the Kiwi’s sought-after signature, the Scorchers will again boast the competition’s most feared opening partnership in Devine and Beth Mooney.
The pair formed a fierce combination last season, amassing 473 runs together for an average opening stand of 47.30 and were selected alongside one another to open the batting in the official Team of the Tournament.
One of the game’s most explosive batters, Devine now holds the record for most T20 centuries with six, one of which came in Scorchers’ colours last season.
The signature of Alana King is a huge boost for Perth, who have lured the Melbourne Stars’ all-time leading wicket taker West.
King’s outstanding form for the Stars last year saw her rewarded with selection in the official WBBL|06 Team of the Tournament.
The leg-spinner snared 16 wickets across her 12 matches last season at an economy rate of 6.00, including a match-defining 3-16 against Perth in the semi-final at North Sydney Oval.
King also possesses brutal hitting power with the bat in hand and has produced valuable lower order cameos across her career.
Last season the 25-year-old faced just 27 balls but struck 62 runs, including six sixes, to defy the trend of death bowlers dominating the competition.
Perth Scorchers Head Coach Shelley Nitschke said:
“We’re thrilled Alana King has made the decision to sign with the Scorchers for the next two seasons.
“Last season we saw first-hand the influence she can have on a match, her wrist spin can change a game while her power with the bat can swing momentum at the end of an innings too.
“Sophie has been the best player in the competition over the past two seasons, we are delighted with her decision to commit to the Scorchers this season.
“A match-winner with both the bat and the ball, Sophie will continue to have a strong influence on our squad on and off the field.
“We’re really pleased with how our squad is shaping up ahead of the season, there’s an enthusiasm and a hunger to build on the momentum we created last year.
