The Weber WBBL|11 Team of the Tournament has today been named, acknowledging the most outstanding performers from this year’s competition.
Decided by the votes of the eight WBBL head coaches, the team features two players selected for the first time, with speedsters Kim Garth and Shabnim Ismail producing stellar campaigns with the ball for their respective sides.
The Weber WBBL|11 Team of The Tournament is:
1. Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Hobart Hurricanes)
2. Meg Lanning (Melbourne Stars)
3. Beth Mooney (Perth Scorchers)
4. Ellyse Perry (Sydney Sixers)
5. Sophie Devine (Perth Scorchers)
6. Ashleigh Gardner (Sydney Sixers)
7. Georgia Wareham (Melbourne Renegades) – captain
8. Heather Graham (Hobart Hurricanes)
9. Kim Garth (Melbourne Stars) *
10. Shabnim Ismail (Sydney Thunder) *
11. Sophie Day (Melbourne Stars)
12. Phoebe Litchfield (Sydney Thunder)
*Denotes first time selected in WBBL Team of the Tournament
The batting order features four of the top five leading run-scorers, including WBBL|11 BKT Golden Bat winner, Meg Lanning (430 runs), Danni Wyatt-Hodge (416 runs), WBBL all-time leading run scorer, Beth Mooney (395 runs) and Ellyse Perry (383 runs).
Mooney has been included for a remarkable nineth time, while Perry makes her seventh appearance as does Perth Scorchers captain and all-rounder, Sophie Devine.
Three of this season’s leading wicket-takers, Georgia Wareham (19 wickets), Ashleigh Gardner (16 wickets), and Heather Graham (14 wickets) make up the middle order, with all three playing crucial roles with both bat and ball throughout the tournament.
Pace bowlers Kim Garth and Shabnim Ismail (12 wickets) round out the side alongside spinner Sophie Day (16 wickets) and Sydney Thunder captain, Phoebe Litchfield.
Wareham has been named captain of the side having impressed while taking the reins for Renegades captain, Sophie Molineux in the initial stages of the tournament.
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said:
“This year’s Team of The Tournament features a blend of domestic and overseas talent and it’s great to see two fresh faces in Kim Garth and Shabnim Ismail.
“It’s no surprise to see the likes of Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine in the side yet again. They are three of the all-time greats and their ability to perform on the big stage consistently is a true testament to the way they approach the game.
“Georgia Wareham had a sensational tournament with bat and ball and is a deserved first-time captain having led the Renegades impressively in the absence of Sophie Molineux.
“The League congratulates all players on their selection, especially Kim and Shabnim and thanks the eight head coaches for their time and efforts in selecting the side.”
Tickets to the Weber WBBL|11 Finals series matches are on sale now at www.bigbash.com.au.
The Knockout: Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars, Tuesday, December 9, 7:45pm AEDT, WACA Ground
The Challenger: Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers, Thursday, December 11, 7:15pm AEDT, North Sydney Oval
The Final: Hobart Hurricanes v winner of The Challenger, Saturday, December 13, 7:15pm AEDT, Ninja Stadium
Every Finals match will be broadcast live on Seven, 7plus, Kayo Sports and Foxtel, with radio coverage on ABC Sport and SEN.
