Chloe Ainsworth has begun Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12 with two early wickets for Perth Scorchers. The 21-year-old quick had an injury-free preseason before the tournament started. At Melbourne’s Junction Oval, she dismissed Rhys McKenna caught behind with her first ball. Three nights later at Drummoyne Oval, she again struck with the first ball of the innings, removing Georgia Voll.
These early breakthroughs continue a pattern that has followed Ainsworth since her WBBL debut in 2023. She has already dismissed top-order and world-class batters such as Meg Lanning, Annabel Sutherland, Lizelle Lee, Grace Harris and Danni Wyatt-Hodge. Since WBBL 09, she has taken nine first-over wickets from 24 matches when she opened the bowling. Molly Strano has eight from 20 matches, Lauren Cheatle has eight from 28, Marizanne Kapp has seven from 28 and Megan Schutt has four from 16.
Her career numbers have also helped establish her as one of the competition’s leading quicks. After 39 WBBL matches, Ainsworth has taken 45 wickets at an average of 21 and an economy rate of 6.85. She was named in the WBBL team of the tournament twice during her first three seasons. Earlier this year, Cricket Australia gave her a national contract for 2026-27, despite her never having been part of an Australian squad. The contract came as another important step in her progress.
Ainsworth had faced off-season injuries in previous summers, making her preparation difficult. This time, however, she managed to complete a full preseason without injury. The change has given her greater confidence in preparation. “I think this is the first time my career that I’ve been able to have a solid block of work, and I’m so grateful for everything that’s happened,” Ainsworth said. Her plan with the new ball is also clear: “I’m trying to control the new ball up front and be as dangerous as I can.”
The national contract has given Ainsworth some chances to work around Australia’s leading players. Australia spent much of the year on the road, but she attended a few squad-wide camps at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. She called the experience “ridiculous” and spoke about what she had learned from being around the national side. “I’ve been able to learn so much, they’re just the best players in the world, and it’s so obvious why,” she said.
Becky Grundy, the Perth Scorchers and Western Australia coach, believes Ainsworth can keep improving with both bat and ball. Grundy said she did a mountain of work last season before an injury towards the back end affected her player leave period, but she has since enjoyed a clean preseason. She also praised Ainsworth’s competitive nature and resilience after her injury struggles. “She’s just hungry to take wickets and score runs. The sky is absolutely the limit.” Grundy said Ainsworth’s skill level was high despite probably limited training over the last two years.
Ainsworth’s start to WBBL 12 has added to a career built through wickets, recognition and opportunities. Her early strikes, strong first-over record, national contract and time around Australia’s best players have supported her progress. Grundy has called her an “absolute heartbeat out on the field”, while Ainsworth continues to build after difficult injury periods. With a full preseason behind her, the Perth quick can now focus on staying fit, controlling the new ball and making the most of her opportunities.
(Quotes sourced from cricket.com.au)
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