England’s world-class left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone is back with the Adelaide Strikers for WBBL 12, the 12th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League running from 29 October to 5 December 2026. The 27-year-old’s re-signing bolsters a Strikers side, likely led by skipper Tahlia McGrath, that finished sixth in WBBL 11 (2025) with nine points from 10 games, three wins, four losses and three washouts, and is determined to climb into finals contention.
Sophie Ecclestone first arrived in the WBBL with the Sydney Sixers in 2022 (WBBL 08), immediately establishing her value with 20 wickets at 17.90 and an economy of 6.29 across 15 innings, including a four-wicket haul in 15 matches. She also contributed with the bat, scoring 126 runs at a strike rate of 159.49 and an average of 31.50 from nine innings in that debut season.
She shifted to Adelaide for WBBL 11 in 2025, taking six wickets at 39.50 with an economy of 7.85 in nine innings over 10 matches, while adding 27 runs at a strike rate of 108 from four innings. Across her WBBL career to date, Ecclestone has claimed 37 wickets at 21.70 and an economy of 6.98 in 31 innings over 32 matches, including one four-wicket haul, and has scored 192 runs at a strike rate of 136.17 and an average of 16 from 18 innings.
Renowned for her accuracy and control, Ecclestone became the ICC’s No.1 ranked WT20I bowler at just 20 and has held the top spot in both WT20I and WODI formats for extended periods. Her major-tournament record underlines her big-match temperament: 21 wickets at 3.83 in the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup (including 6/36 vs South Africa in the semi-final), 10 wickets in a Test against Australia the following year, and a leading 16-wicket haul at the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup. Most recently, she helped England reach the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final with 10 wickets, and in July 2026 became England women’s all-time leading international wicket-taker, surpassing Katherine Sciver-Brunt during the one-off Test against India at Lord’s.
Ecclestone’s return is framed as a catalyst for improvement after last season’s mid-table finish. “We have an incredibly talented squad, with a great mix of experienced match-winners and exciting young talent,” she said. “I can’t wait to get back around the group and continue building on what we achieved last season. We’re determined to take the next step and put ourselves in a strong position to push for finals.”
Adelaide Strikers coach Luke Williams echoed that sentiment, calling her “a world-class player whose skill, experience and ability to perform under pressure make her a valuable addition to our group.” “Having a player of Sophie’s calibre strengthens our bowling attack and adds invaluable leadership to the squad,” Williams added.
Adelaide Strikers WBBL 12 Schedule
Saturday, 31 October 2026 (Home): Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars, Karen Rolton Oval / Kaurna. 10:10 AM IST.
Thursday, 5 November 2026 (Home) [Interstate venue]: Adelaide Strikers v Brisbane Heat, Drummoyne Oval / Warrembah, 10:10 AM IST.
Saturday, 7 November 2026 (Away): Melbourne Renegades v Adelaide Strikers, CitiPower Centre / Boon Wurrung, 10:10 AM IST.
Tuesday, 10 November 2026 (Away): Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers, Ninja Stadium / Palawa, 1:40 PM IST.
Saturday, 14 November 2026 (Away): Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers, WACA Ground / Whadjuk, 1:40 PM IST.
Tuesday, 17 November 2026 (Home): Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Sixers, Karen Rolton Oval / Kaurna, 1:40 PM IST.
Friday, 20 November 2026 (Home) (Stadium Series): Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Renegades, Adelaide Oval / Kaurna, 1:40 PM IST.
Sunday, 22 November 2026 (Away): Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers, Allan Border Field / Meanjin, 10:10 AM IST.
Thursday, 26 November 2026 (Away): Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers, North Sydney Oval / Cammeraygal, 10:10 AM IST.
Sunday, 29 November 2026 (Home): Adelaide Strikers v Hobart Hurricanes, Karen Rolton Oval / Kaurna, 10 AM IST.
With Ecclestone’s experience, control and big-stage pedigree back in the squad, the Strikers will be eyeing a sharper campaign as they chase a top-four finish in WBBL 12.
(Quotes sourced from Adelaide Strikers Press Release)
Loves all things female cricket