Defending champions Adelaide Strikers have signed star India opener Smriti Mandhana for the upcoming WBBL as well. However, Mandhana is the club’s pre-draft signing and she will play for her fourth WBBL team after her last three stints with Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder as well.
During her season for Sydney Thunder in 2021 she scored an unbeaten 114 off 64 balls against Melbourne Renegades which is the joint second-highest individual score in the tournament’s history as well. Earlier this year, Smriti Mandhana led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the WPL title with the team coached by Luke Williams who holds the same role with Adelaide Strikers.
“I always look forward to playing in Australia, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team with a history of success like the Strikers,” Smriti Mandhana said. “I’m thrilled to continue working with Luke. Our previous experiences together have been so rewarding, and I’m looking forward to building on that.”
Adelaide Strikers have been keen to bring Smriti Mandhana to the club for quite a few seasons but she opted out last year to manage her workload as well. She is expected to miss the first couple of matches due to an ODI series against New Zealand soon after the T20 World Cup but she will then be available for the rest of the tournament.
“Smriti is an exceptional talent” – Luke Williams
“Smriti is an exceptional talent, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Strikers,” Luke Williams said. “Her technical skill, experience and strategic insights are a tremendous asset for us. I know firsthand the dedication and energy she brings to the team and on the field. Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we drive for success in the upcoming season.”
Adelaide Strikers could strengthen their top order at the draft on September 1 as they have retention rights for South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt. Meanwhile, Strikers have also made a pick trade with Melbourne Renegades ahead of the draft, handing picks 19 and 30 to Renegades while getting 22 and 27 in return. Strikers have picked 6 in the first round and 14 in the second as well.
WBBL pre-draft signings
Adelaide Strikers: Smriti Mandhana
Brisbane Heat: Nadine de Klerk
Hobart Hurricanes: Lizelle Lee
Melbourne Renegades: Hayley Matthews
Melbourne Stars: Marizanne Kapp
Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine
Sydney Sixers: Amelia Kerr
Sydney Thunder: Chamari Athapaththu
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