The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to ignite the cricketing stage once again, with the second season kicking off on February 23rd, 2024. As anticipation builds, the eyes of the cricketing world are particularly focused on the contingent of Australian women players gracing the league. Let’s take a closer look at the Aussies poised to make their mark in the upcoming season.
Also Read: Longest Six in WPL
Retained Stars:
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Gujarat Giants: This team boasts the firepower of the dynamic duo, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney. Gardner, the highest-paid Australian in the WPL, is a versatile all-rounder known for her explosive batting and wicket-taking prowess. Mooney, a reliable opener with an ice-cool demeanor, offers stability at the top of the order.
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Royal Challengers Bangalore: The experienced campaigner, Ellyse Perry, returns to RCB. This multi-skilled veteran can single-handedly change the course of a match with her batting, bowling, and fielding brilliance.
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UP Warriorz: The Warriors have retained a formidable Australian trio: Tahlia McGrath, the reigning WBBL Player of the Tournament, known for her aggressive batting and handy off-spin; Alyssa Healy, the wicket-keeper batter known for her explosive strokeplay; and Grace Harris, the big-hitting all-rounder who brings power and aggression to the team.
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Delhi Capitals: The Capitals retained their core Australian contingent of captain Meg Lanning, the world’s best batter, Jess Jonassen, a skilled spinner and lower-order hitter, and Laura Harris, a promising youngster with the ability to swing the ball both ways.
Auction Picks:
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Delhi Capitals: The Capitals created headlines by acquiring Annabel Sutherland for a whopping INR 2 crore (AUD 364,000) in the auction. The young all-rounder is a rising star with all-round abilities. They also secured Phoebe Litchfield, a talented left-handed opener.
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Gujarat Giants: The Giants snapped up Lauren Cheatle, a wicket-keeper batter with impressive domestic credentials.
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Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB added valuable experience with the inclusion of Sophie Molineux, an all-rounder known for her left-arm swing bowling and handy batting.
Unsold Players:
Several talented Australian players like Alana King, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Kim Garth, and Nicola Hancock unfortunately went unsold in the auction. They will be hoping to impress in domestic cricket and earn contracts in future seasons.
What to Expect:
With a mix of established stars and exciting young talent, the Australian contingent in the WPL promises to be a force to be reckoned with. Expect them to play crucial roles in their respective teams’ quest for glory. Here are some key points to look for:
- Can Ashleigh Gardner repeat her dominant form from the last season?
- Will Meg Lanning lead the Delhi Capitals to their maiden WPL title?
- Will young guns like Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield break out on the big stage?
The WPL 2024 promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and the Australian players are sure to be at the heart of the action. Their performances will not only shape the destiny of their teams but also inspire young girls back home to dream big and take up the sport. So, get ready to witness the Aussies shine bright on the biggest stage in women’s cricket.
