The 9th edition of the women’s version of the Big Bash League is all set to get underway on 19th October 2023. The player selection process from the inaugural overseas players draft recently concluded on 3rd September 2023 in Melbourne.
The Hobart Hurricanes picked up Shabnim Ismail, and Bryony Smith from the overseas draft. Later, they also went on to rope in South Africa’s veteran wicket-keeper batter Lizelle Lee through the direct nominations. As far as the player retentions are concerned, the 23-year-old top-order batter Emma Manix-Geeves is the latest addition to the squad.
“We obviously have so many experienced people within our Tigers squad, but in the WBBL with the overseas players, it’s great to welcome even more people into the squad that we can learn from. It’s great that we have Lizelle back again this year. As a keeper-batter myself, she’s such a great person for me to learn from, so that whenever further opportunity comes my way I’ll be ready to go.” Emma Manix Greeves on the importance of having experienced players in the squad.
She made her WBBL debut against Sydney Sixers in the year 2019. However, she got her first opportunity to showcase her skills with the bat last year against the Melbourne Stars. She managed to stay unbeaten on 20, scoring at a strike rate of 95.23 in her debut innings.
She made her return to the field for the Hobart Hurricanes last year, after a gap of three years. She finds her way back into the squad for another season on the back of her impressive outing in the domestic circuit, playing for Tasmania. She was also the vice-captain of the Female Riders side and played a crucial role in helping her side clinch their maiden Wilson Homes Cricket Tasmania Premier League (CTPL). The tournament was played in the T20I format.
The 23-year-old batter Emma Manix-Geeves will join her teammates Nicola Carey, Maisy Gibson, Heather Graham, Shabnim Ismail, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Bryony Smith, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman and Elyse Villani for the Hobart Hurricanes in the upcoming 9th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League.
They will kickstart their WBBL campaign on Friday, 20th October 2023, against Perth Scorchers at Launceston’s University of Tasmania Stadium.
(Quotes sourced from Hobart Hurricanes Press Release).