Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
South African star batter Laura Wolvaardt will be back in Adelaide this summer, signing a deal to spend a third season as a Striker.
A prolific run-scorer in all formats able to bat anywhere in the order, Wolvaardt has been brilliant since joining the Strikers, finishing WBBL|06 as the side’s leading run-scorer and WBBL|07 behind only MVP Katie Mack.
Speaking from Birmingham, where South Africa have been competing in the Commonwealth Games, Wolvaardt can’t wait to add to her Strikers run tally.
“I love playing for Adelaide and am so happy that I will return this year. We were so close to the title last year and I know that as a team, we can take that next step this season.
“The fans around Australia love the WBBL and support us so well, I am really excited to see everyone again and hopefully put together a strong season.”
Strikers Head Coach, Luke Williams knows exactly what Wolvaardt will bring to WBBL|08.
“Laura is a fantastic player and fantastic person; we are thrilled to have her back for a third season.
“With a large number of international caps and plenty of experience in Australian conditions, Laura is a massive part of our team and we are extremely pleased she wants to play for the Strikers.”
In all, Wolvaardt has crunched 70 fours and 15 sixes as a Striker, with more than a few of those produced by the crisp cover drive for which the South African international is known the world over.
Last season yielded 381 runs for Wolvaardt as the Strikers dominated Finals fixtures against Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Renegades to qualify for the tournament decider.
Able to contribute beyond a strong bat, Wolvaardt is elite in the field, something that was called upon in a magic moment from last season. In tricky Tasmanian conditions highlighted by string winds and persistent rain, Wolvaardt found herself beneath a skied shot that if caught, would make Darcie Brown the first female Striker to claim a hat-trick.
Wolvaardt not only caught the swirling ball to spark celebrations that day, she also delivered with bat in hand, opening the response with a Player of the Match winning 54 from 30 deliveries.
