Australian all-rounder Madeline Penna has signed a contract with Essex Cricket to feature in the inaugural Women’s T20 Blast 2025. As Essex strive for T20 success in the revamped English domestic framework, the 24-year-old, known for her reliable performances in Australia’s domestic circuit, is set to bring her powerful batting and precise leg-spin to the team.
Since making her debut in 2019, Penna has made a significant impact in Australian domestic cricket. She is a key member of the Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and represents South Australia Scorpions in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL).
Penna has also played for Canterbury Magicians in New Zealand domestic competitions. She has consistently demonstrated her match-winning abilities in both formats and brings the experience of 74 T20 matches, and 43 List A matches to her career so far. Having scored centuries in all formats, including a List A best of 118* and a T20 high score of 113, she is a strong right-handed middle-order batter.
While Penna is primarily recognized for her batting skills, she is also an effective leg-spinner, providing her teams with a valuable bowling option. In just her second-ever WBBL match, she took 4/20, showcasing her credentials as a genuine all-rounder. Across 75 WBBL games, she has bowled in 17 innings, taking 13 wickets at an economy rate of 8.38.
Expressing her excitement about the signing, Penna commented, “I’m really looking forward to playing for Essex this summer and being part of such an exciting season for the county. It’s a brilliant opportunity for me to test myself in a new environment, having played T20 cricket both at home and in New Zealand over the last few months.”
Andy Tennant, the director of the Essex women’s team, praised Penna’s arrival and highlighted her potential contribution to the squad, saying, “We are delighted to have Maddie on board for the Blast. She is an exciting and dynamic young player with an excellent record in the Women’s Big Bash League, which has seen her earn international recognition. I am confident she will fit in well with our talented playing group and help us win games and challenge for T20 honours this year.”
Essex will participate in the inaugural Women’s T20 Blast, which replaces the disbanded regional domestic system. The competition kicks off on March 30, 2025, and Essex open their campaign against Hampshire on the same day. With her international experience, versatility, and proven track record, Penna is expected to be a crucial player for Essex as they aim for a trophy in the first-ever Women’s T20 Blast.
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