One of the first Indians to feature in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), this classy opener began her journey with Brisbane Heat in the 2016/17 season, followed by stints with Hobart Hurricanes in 2018/19 and Sydney Thunder in 2021/22. After a two-year absence, she is making a comeback for her fourth WBBL season, set to represent a fourth team.
Adelaide Strikers, in their quest for a three-peat, have signed Indian opener Smriti Mandhana under the new multi-year contract provision, allowing clubs to secure one overseas player each season for up to three years. At Strikers, Mandhana reunites with head coach Luke Williams, with who she first worked at Southern Brave in The Hundred. Her influence was key in bringing Luke to Royal Challengers Bangalore for the 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL), a move that culminated in their championship victory.
In 36 WBBL matches, Smriti has amassed 784 runs, averaging 24.50 with a strike rate of 130.01. Her tally includes four half-centuries and a century, with the highest score of 114*. After a quiet debut season with 89 runs from 10 games, she rebounded with a 319-run season for the Hurricanes and peaked with 377 runs in her latest stint with the Thunder.
🚨 GOOD NEWS!! 🚨
Smriti Mandhana becomes the first Indian to be signed for WBBL this season.
She will team up with RCB’s coach Luke Williams again. #CricketTwitter #WBBL2024 📸WBBL pic.twitter.com/EVyGHgW5iG
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) August 27, 2024
Smriti opted out of last year’s WBBL for participation in India’s domestic season, and this long-term signing has been met with enthusiasm. Head coach Luke praised her as an exceptional talent, noting her invaluable expertise and leadership. He commented, “Smriti is an exceptional talent, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Strikers. Her technical skill, experience and strategic insights are a tremendous asset for us.”
“I know firsthand the dedication and energy she brings to the team and on the field. Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we drive for success in the upcoming season.”
Smriti too shared her excitement about returning to Australia and teaming up with Luke as the Strikers aim for a third consecutive WBBL title, stating, “I always look forward to playing in Australia, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team with a history of success like the Strikers. I’m thrilled to continue working with Luke. Our previous experiences together have been so rewarding, and I’m looking forward to building on that.”
Veteran icon Megan Schutt labeled the signing as “the missing piece of the puzzle,” adding, “Countless hours hounding her has helped (land a deal with Smriti)… Her flair, the areas and pockets she hits to in the ground, I think she plays really well in Australian conditions, her knowledge of the game, she’s one of the leaders in India. She’s a complete package for us.”
Strikers’ skipper Tahlia McGrath expressed her delight at the signing, sharing, “Excited is an understatement. We’ve been trying to get her for a few years now, in constant comms (with her) and her batting is just unbelievable. She’s a very elegant batter and has the ability to take away games from opposition very quickly.”
Smriti Mandhana, the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2018 and 2021, has accumulated 7,707 runs from 233 international matches across formats. Recently, she excelled against South Africa in a home multi-format series with scores of 117, 136, and 90 in ODIs, a career-best 149 in a one-off Test, and 46 and 54* in T20Is. Continuing her strong form, she posted scores of 45, 13, 55*, and 60 in the Asia Cup.
This deal, just days out from the overseas players draft day, is highly significant for the Strikers. Given Smriti’s recent form, she would have been sought-after, attracting interest from other teams. Ahead of the draft, set for September 1, the Strikers have also brokered a pick trade with the Melbourne Renegades, exchanging picks 19 and 30 for picks 22 and 27.
The Adelaide Strikers will host the Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval for the curtain-raiser of the landmark 10th edition of the WBBL on October 27.
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