Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
The Adelaide Strikers have added a recently retired international cricketer to its coaching staff, with Nicole Bolton named as the women’s side’s assistant coach.
The former Australian opening batter joins the Strikers after an outstanding career, playing 50 One Day Internationals for Australia and scoring 1896 runs at an average of 41.21, including four centuries, while she also contributed with her off-spin bowling.
At domestic level, Bolton played over 300 T20 matches – 190 prior to the introduction of the Women’s Big Bash League (3226 runs and 69 wickets) and another 114 after, for both the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers (1876 runs and 54 wickets).
Bolton is looking forward to moving over to SA and getting stuck into the role in one of the country’s most successful women’s program.
“High performance is my passion, cricket’s a passion and to be part of a program that Luke’s (Williams, Head Coach) set up really well with a fantastic bunch of girls – with their recent success over the last few years, it was a bit of a no brainer to get my hands dirty and get involved,” Bolton said.
“Having recently been out of the system, my ability to relate to players and build relationships is probably going to help and being a part of the Australian setup during a really successful stint, I know what success looks like and what high performance looks like.
“I think I can bring that to a group that’s already established some really high standards within their program.
“It’s an exciting opportunity, so I’m grateful that Luke saw some value in me and what I can bring.”
In a further boost to the women’s program, Darius Wyatt has been promoted from Head Coach, Female Pathway to Assistant Coach and Performance Analyst, providing more resource to the Strikers than ever before.
Adelaide Strikers Head Coach Luke Williams said the team can’t wait to introduce Bolton into the squad and learn from her experience.
“Nicole’s experience at both the international and domestic level of the game will allow her to provide so much knowledge and advice to our list,” Williams said.
“This is also a great opportunity for Darius and great reward for the effort and skill he has put into our pathway programs.
“We are really thrilled to be welcoming Nicole to Adelaide and we are excited by what she and Darius will contribute to the program.”
Bolton will start her role at SACA on June 1.
