Amid Sydney-based teams making stealy signings ahead of the 10th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), much to the disappointment of the Brisbane Heat, the Perth Scorchers have secured the services of a prime spinner Alana King until WBBL 12, following the announcement of Mikayla Hinkley’s signing earlier this month.
Alana King initially featured in the WBBL for the Melbourne Stars from 2015-16 to 2021-22 before making the move to the Perth Scorchers. Although she had one year remaining on her current contract, the Scorchers have managed to extend King’s tenure, solidifying their hold on Australia’s premier leg-spinner with a further two-year extension.
Across 111 WBBL appearances, King has claimed 106 wickets, with a best of 4/11, and maintained an economy rate of 6.69, while also chipping in by scoring 536 runs from 61 innings. In Scorchers colors, King has taken 52 wickets in 43 matches, averaging 17.50.
Reflecting on her contract extension, King fondly recalled the Scorchers’ championship victory as unforgettable. “I am absolutely delighted to be sticking around in the orange for the next three seasons. I have loved my time at the club since I moved over three years ago, and I believe the team environment that has been created here has brought out the best in me, both on and off the field.
“The WBBL|07 title win will always hold a special place in my heart. To win the Scorchers’ first-ever WBBL title in front of a packed house at Optus Stadium was something I will never forget. I am super excited about the future with this group and hopefully, there are plenty more moments to celebrate.”
King has been a cornerstone of the Scorchers’ consistent performance in the WBBL, notably during their championship campaign in 2021-22, where she emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps from 13 innings at an economy rate below 6. In her debut season with the Scorchers, she claimed 19 wickets, second only to Amy Edgar’s 20, and picked up 16 wickets in the most recent campaign.
Expressing her enthusiasm for King’s signing, Scorchers’ head coach Becky Grundy praised King’s infectious energy and leadership qualities. “We are thrilled to have locked in Alana for the next three seasons. She has had an incredible impact on our playing group since she joined us three seasons ago, including playing a key role in our WBBL|07 title-winning side.
“It’s been amazing to watch her grow since she moved to Perth. Her motivation to learn, improve when challenged and hunger to get the best out of herself has allowed her to develop in a world-class performer for both the Scorchers and Australia. Her leadership around the group also stands out. Not only is she a much-loved teammate, but she has the ability to lift the energy of the group when they need it most, which is a really special trait.”
The Perth Scorchers will commence their WBBL 10 campaign on October 27, 2024, with a high-profile clash against Meg Lanning’s Melbourne Stars in match no. 3 on the opening day.
Perth Scorchers squad for WBBL|10 (so far):
Chloe Ainsworth, Stella Campbell, Piepa Cleary, Maddy Darke, Mikayla Hinkley, Alana King, Lilly Mills, Chloe Piparo