The Australian star pacer Megan Schutt is back in action, having joined Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday. Schutt will make her comeback against Perth Scorchers as the Adelaide Strikers will take on the team on Saturday at the Lilac Hill in Perth, during the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League WBBL07. At present, Adelaide Strikers are ranked number three in the points table, having won two matches, lost one and one producing no result due to rain.
Schutt last played an international match in April against New Zealand. She was not a part of the Australian squad for the multi-format series against India which was played in Australia recently as she was busy with the birth of her first child.
“She’s available for selection, we’re just waiting on some paperwork at the moment. She’s going to be an awesome inclusion, so fingers crossed we’ll welcome her back with open arms and she’ll only strengthen our side,” said Tahlia McGrath, captain of Adelaide Strikers.
Adelaide Strikers have a good set of bowlers in Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Sarah Coyte, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Dane van Niekerk, Jemma Barsby, and Maddie Penna. It is likely that Barsby could well make her way for Schutt.
“That’s a really good problem to have when you’ve got so much competition for spots. Whoever misses out will be really unlucky. But I’m pretty happy to have Schutt back on the park with me. She’s the ultimate professional, she’s been playing a bit of club cricket and she’s been (training) with our Emerging Scorpions program. She’s been telling me about all the PBs she’s been hitting in the gym, so she’s ready to go … we know exactly what we’ll get from ‘Shooter’, she’s one of the best in the world for a reason,” said McGrath.
While Adelaide Strikers will go into the match after a defeat to Brisbane Heat, Perth Scorchers on the other hand will be high on confidence having won their last encounter by 81 runs against Sydney Thunder.
“It’s going to be a tough game, they’ve got a really good list. Their opening partnership of Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney, they’re two of the best batters in the world. We’ll come up with some plans but we’re really comfortable with the cricket we’re playing at the moment and we’ll go into the game full of confidence. I’ve batted alongside both (Devine and Mooney) quite a bit, especially Moons recently and they’re quality batters, it’s going to be a serious contest,” said McGrath.
Source: cricket.com.au
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.