Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers have locked in a key pillar of their bowling attack ahead of Weber WBBL|09, signing rising star Lilly Mills for the next two seasons.
The off- spinner has been a revelation since joining the Scorchers from Brisbane Heat ahead of WBBL|07, taking 31 wickets at 14.96 with a best of 4-25 in 28 matches.
Her combination with fellow spinner Alana King has been a weapon for Perth over the past two seasons, with the pair striking up a fruitful partnership.
The decision to sign on until the end of WBBL|09 was an easy one for title-winning Scorcher Mills, who spoke highly of the welcoming team environment at the Club, and the closeness of the playing group.
“I am thrilled to stay with the Scorchers for the next two seasons. This club has been so good to me since I arrived here two years ago, and I now consider Perth home,” Mills said.
“The feeling within the group is super positive and a great environment to be around, so it was a straightforward decision for me to stay and be part of the group moving forward.”
WBBL|08 was a breakout season for Mills, with the 22-year-old collecting 15 wickets at 17.26, including 3-9 against Melbourne Renegades in Moe.
“I have been proud of my consistency over the past two seasons, and I think that has come from clarity in my role and the trust Soph (Devine) has in me,” Mills said.
“Hopefully, I can keep playing my role, which leads to further team success.”
With a great mix of local and international talent, highlighted by the recruitment of experienced duo Sophie Devine and Amy Jones, Mills believes the Scorchers are well placed to enjoy sustained success.
“Our group has been really settled over the past two years, and I think that gives us a great platform to build trust within the group, which will hopefully lead to plenty of wins for us this summer.
“We were disappointed with how we finished last year, but the group is really confident our best cricket can match with the best teams in the competition.”
Following the signing of Mills, the Scorchers have four local list spots and one international spot left to fill.
Perth Scorchers squad for WBBL|09
Charis Bekker
Stella Campbell
Piepa Cleary
Sophie Devine (Captain; International – New Zealand)
Amy Edgar
Amy Jones (International – England)
Alana King
Beth Mooney
Lilly Mills
Taneale Peschel
The Scorchers begin their WBBL|09 season with a two-match road trip against Hobart Hurricanes (October 20, UTAS Stadium) and Brisbane Heat (October 22, North Sydney Oval), before returning home to host the Hurricanes on 25 October at the WACA Ground.
To view Perth Scorchers’ MBBL and WBBL fixtures, click here.
