With the ongoing WBBL 10, Smriti Mandhana joins her new team, the Adelaide Strikers, fresh from the home ODI series against New Zealand. Watch the video as she receives her debut cap from Adelaide skipper Tahlia McGrath ahead of match 20 between the Strikers and Brisbane Heat. The ceremony includes a speech by McGrath and Mandhana’s former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate, Meghan Schutt.
In this lighthearted exchange, Megan Schutt and Tahlia McGrath share a warm, humorous welcome for Smriti Mandhana as she joins their team, the Adelaide Strikers, for the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Schutt playfully introduces the speech by pretending to direct it to Tahlia, then addresses Smriti, joking about her efforts to convince Smriti to join the Strikers. She recalls her time at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the Women’s Premier League, teasing that she outscored Smriti there and jokingly suggests Smriti will enjoy the Australian way of life — relaxed, friendly, and with her own café line, “Smriti18,” in Adelaide. Schutt ends on a heartfelt note, applauding Smriti’s skill and the positive energy she brings to the team.
Schutt said, “We love the way you play and what you bring to the team. Can’t wait to see you hit a few over-cover.”
Tahlia then takes her turn, sharing how Smriti’s message about joining the Strikers showed her loyalty and commitment. She highlights Smriti’s immense talent and impact on the game, noting that any team would be thrilled to have her. Tahlia expresses the team’s excitement to learn from, play alongside, and compete with Smriti, welcoming her into their “blue family” and wishing her luck for the season ahead.
Tahila added, “An incredibly talented player that can take the game away from opposition in seconds. Everyone standing here today is really excited to play alongside you, really excited to learn from you and really excited to compete alongside you.”
When Smriti Mandhana received her debut cap, she humorously forgot to put it on, acknowledging with a laugh, “I haven’t done a debut for a while.” Her teammates cheered her on, prompting her to finally put it on.
Watch Video:
A beautiful speech by Megan Schutt and Tahlia McGrath to welcome Smriti Mandhana in the team. 🥹#CricketTwitter #WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/sxyLqq8KgU
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) November 9, 2024
Loves all things female cricket