Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers have added class to their batting line-up ahead of Weber WBBL|09, with exciting wicketkeeper batter Maddy Darke signing on for the next two seasons.
This will be Darke’s second season in orange, following her Scorchers campaign in WBBL|08.
The 22-year-old, who moved from New South Wales to Perth ahead of the 2021-22 Women’s National Cricket League season, is eager to bring her outstanding WNCL form to the WBBL.
“I am excited to be signing on for the next two seasons. It’s a playing group I am familiar with, and I can’t wait to repay the faith that everyone here has shown in me,” Darke said.
“Ever since I have come over from New South Wales, everyone has been super welcoming and made Perth feel like home, so the decision to stay in orange was a no-brainer.
“I’ve had so much growth since moving to Perth, both as a person and as a cricketer, and I think that has a lot to do with the team environment and culture that WA Cricket and the Scorchers have created.”
Perth Scorchers Memberships, and tickets for every Perth Scorchers Weber WBBL|09 and KFC BBL|13 match are now available. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Orange Army this season.
Darke is one of the country’s brightest young prospects, with the young star producing a career-best season for WA in last year’s Women’s National Cricket League.
She finished with 475 runs including four half-centuries and a century, at an average of 52.78 from her 10 innings.
Her breakout WNCL campaign last summer saw her rewarded with selection in the Australia A Tour of United Kingdom during the winter, where she played all seven matches in the multi-format series.
Darke learned a lot from the experience.
“To be thrown into a different environment and learn about the game from other coaches and see how players from the different states go about their own cricket was invaluable for me,” she said.
Another NSW product, fast bowler Stella Campbell, recently committed to Perth on a two-year deal.
Darke and Campbell have built a close bond over the years, growing up together in Sydney.
“Stella and I have been good friends for a long time, so to have her over in Perth and hopefully playing together will be special,” Darke said.
“She’s such a talented cricketer and I know that she will add something different to our bowling attack. I can’t wait for her to join the group.”
Perth Scorchers squad for WBBL|09
Charis Bekker
Stella Campbell
Piepa Cleary
Maddy Darke
Sophie Devine (Captain; International – New Zealand)
Amy Edgar
Amy Jones (International – England)
Alana King
Lilly Mills
Beth Mooney
Taneale Peschel
Chloe Piparo
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.
