On Tuesday, 16th July, the Adelaide Strikers announced the signing of Australian all-rounder Eleanor Larosa for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season. The Strikers, who are the defending champions, are aiming for a historic three-peat of WBBL titles, having won the previous two seasons (WBBL|08 and WBBL|09).
Larosa, the 18-year-old left-arm pace bowler and accomplished left-hand batter has represented South Australia and Australia at the under-19 level. She made her senior cricket debut during last summer’s Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) season and is set to make her WBBL debut soon.
Her standout performance came at the national Under-19 championships in Brisbane late last year, where she scored 114 runs from 137 balls batting at number three against Western Australia and then took 5-20 with the ball.
Eleanor Larosa expressed her excitement about joining the Strikers squad for the upcoming summer, eager to be part of such a successful group. She mentioned her enjoyment of being among the fans who have celebrated the WBBL title wins over the past two seasons and described becoming one of the girls in blue as a dream come true.
“I’m thrilled to join the Strikers squad for the coming summer and can’t wait to be part of such a successful group,” Larosa said. Further adding, “I’ve loved being among the amazing fans who have celebrated the WBBL title wins over the past two seasons and to now be one of the girls in blue is truly a dream come true.”
Larosa is enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn from her teammates and coaches, Luke Williams and Nicole Bolton, both as a bowler and a batter.
“There’s so much I can learn from my teammates and from coaches such as Luke Williams and Nicole Bolton, both as a bowler and a batter,” Larosa said.
Strikers’ dual title-winning coach Luke Williams expressed his delight at signing Eleanor Larosa to a one-year contract, noting her undeniable ability. He stated that as a left-arm bowler and left-handed batter, she provides a significant point of difference in the highly competitive T20 competition.
“We’re delighted to sign a player of Eleanor’s undoubted ability to a one-year contract,” head coach Luke Williams said.
“As a left-arm bowler and left-handed batter she offers us a real point of difference which is vital in such a tightly contested T20 competition.
Williams highlighted her impressive performances for both South Australia and Australia at the under-19 level, emphasizing that she is a player with a promising future.
“Her performances for both South Australia and Australia at under-19 level have been impressive, and we believe she is a player of the future.”
The Strikers will begin their championship defence with a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s grand final against Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, October 27.
