Perth Scorchers have made a significant move to strengthen their lineup ahead of the 10th season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) by signing batter Mikayla Hinkley. The announcement marks Hinkley’s return to the Scorchers after previously featuring for the team in WBBL|03 and follows her departure from the Brisbane Heat after a five-year stint.
The 26-year-old middle-order batter brings a lot of experience to the Scorchers’ batting stocks. Hinkley debuted in the inaugural season of WBBL for Sydney Thunder and has since played 64 matches in the league, scoring 348 runs with a highest score of 49 runs. Despite facing limited opportunities in a strong Brisbane Heat XI, she played a pivotal role for the Heat, contributing both with the bat and in team initiatives, including supporting the Heat’s First Nations jersey and assisting Queensland Cricket with their Reconciliation Action Plan.
Hinkley, who penned a two-year deal with Perth, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to elevate her game in Western Australia. “I am really excited to be returning to the Scorchers. The club is brilliantly run, has a wonderful team culture, and I’m looking forward to being part of it,” she stated in a recent announcement.
Head coach Becky Grundy highlighted Hinkley’s multilayered skill set as a key asset for the Scorchers. “She is a highly talented player who has a skillset well suited to the needs of our squad,” Grundy commented. “Her versatility, experience, and leadership will be invaluable to our squad, and we are eager to integrate her into the group.”
Hinkley’s decision to join the Scorchers came after she made the call to leave Queensland and pursue a state contract with Western Australia, signalling her commitment to furthering her cricketing career in a new environment.
The Perth Scorchers, who finished second on the WBBL|09 table, narrowly missing out on the final, are gearing up for a stronger campaign in WBBL|10. Their opening match against Melbourne Stars at the iconic WACA Ground promises to set the stage for an exciting season opener on Sunday, October 27.
With Hinkley’s arrival adding depth and experience to their squad, the Scorchers are poised to challenge for the title and build on their previous successes in the upcoming WBBL season.
All eyes will be on Mikayla Hinkley and the Perth Scorchers as they gear up for WBBL|10. The excitement is intense as they prepare to make their mark in the upcoming season. The opening match promises to be a thrilling encounter, played under the floodlights at the iconic WACA Ground.
