On 15th August 2019, Perth Scorchers announced the 2019-20 squad for the fifth edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) of Australia. Along with the likes of Natalie Sciver and Amy Jones, state player Kath Hempenstall also cracked the deal.
The only WBBL appearance for Kath was back in 2016 when she played three matches for Melbourne Stars and suffered a knee injury cutting short her plans for the rest of the tournament. Describing her tale back in 2016, she said, “It got to the end of the season and I didn’t know where I stood. I remember telling my coach it would be great if you could let me know where I stand before I go. I never heard anything until I left, so I thought this might mean good news.”
“I got an email that said, ‘Unfortunately we’re going to have to let you go, thanks for everything’. I was just shattered,” she added.
This selection represents a huge personal triumph for the player over age and injury. Expressing her excitement, the 30-year old player said, “I can’t believe it’s happening.”
Perth Scorchers squad – Meg Lanning, Heather Graham, Amy Jones, Natalie Sciver, Jemmy Barsby, Samantha Betts, Nicole Bolton, Emma King, Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Kath Hempenstall, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Piparo, Georgia Redmayne
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