Western Storm, the women’s cricket team representing South West England and Wales in domestic games, has signed Australian international Amanda-Jade Wellington. Set to join her teammates next month, she’ll be available for both the 50-over Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy and the 20-over Charlotte Edwards Cup.
Amanda-Jade Wellington, aged 26, brings with her a wealth of experience garnered from her international and domestic cricket career. Since her debut in T20Is against New Zealand on February 17, 2017, she has showcased her prowess in the format and beyond, scalping 30 wickets across eight T20Is, 14 ODIs, and one Test match for her country.
The bowling all-rounder’s domestic track record is equally impressive, having featured in 223 T20 matches, where she has taken an astounding 266 wickets at an average of 17.40, with her best figures being five for eight. Additionally, in List A cricket, she has picked up 143 wickets at an average of 25.02, including a standout performance of 6/25.
She has been impressive in ECB’s ‘The Hundred’, representing Southern Brave and Manchester Originals, taking 35 wickets in 23 matches overall at an average of 14.11 with 4/12 being her best spell for Southern Brave against Oval Invincibles back in 2021. In the upcoming edition of The Hundred, she is signed by the Oval Invincibles.
Wellington is no stranger to English domestic cricket, having previously performed for the Southern Vipers in the Women’s Cricket Super League (WCSL), known as the Kia Super League (KSL), in the 2019 season. Her familiarity with English conditions and her proven ability to excel on the international stage makes her a valuable asset to Western Storm’s campaign aspirations.
Amanda’s enthusiasm and determination reflected after her signing as she eagerly anticipates the upcoming cricket season. Her readiness to embrace challenges, particularly in English conditions, reflects her resilience and adaptability as a player. Expressing her excitement for both the 50-over and T20 formats demonstrates her versatility and commitment to contributing across various aspects of the game.
Amanda’s optimism is evident as she sets her focus on not only personal growth but also on supporting her team’s success. Her desire to bring her wealth of experience to the group highlights her leadership qualities and willingness to mentor younger players. With Amanda’s positive attitude and dedication, she aims to play a pivotal role in securing victories for her team throughout the summer, embodying the spirit of togetherness and competition in cricket.
Western Storm Head Coach, Trevor Griffin expressed his delight to have added such a quality player to the team. Trevor recognizes her as an exceptional cricketer, highlighting her impressive track record and ability to perform consistently well, especially in English conditions. Trevor’s confidence in Amanda’s skills reflects the thorough assessment of her capabilities and the strategic decision to bring her on board.
Describing her as an “exciting signing,” he emphasizes the anticipation and eagerness within the team to incorporate her talents into their dynamic. By referring to the team as a family, Trevor emphasizes the importance of solidarity and unity, indicating a warm and welcoming environment awaiting Amanda to join.
He mentions, “Amanda-Jade is an outstanding cricketer who will bring both experience and additional quality to the side. Her record speaks for itself and over the last few years she has shown that she can excel in English conditions. It’s an exciting signing for us and we are looking forward to welcoming her into the Western Storm family.”
As Western Storm gears up to start on its journey in the 2024 cricket season, the addition of Amanda-Jade Wellington is ready to elevate the team’s prospects and set the stage for a captivating display of cricketing mastery.