The Adelaide Strikers, who won the championship last year, have signed Indian player Smriti Mandhana as their new player for the upcoming 10th season of the Women’s Big Bash League.
Mandhana, who has played for three different teams in the Women’s Big Bash League before, was signed before the draft by the team that has won the championship twice. She has previously played for Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, and Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Mandhana said, “I always enjoy playing in Australia, and I’m thrilled to have the chance to help a successful team like the Strikers.”
“I’m really excited to keep working with Luke. We’ve had great times together before, and I can’t wait to make more progress with him.”
Mandhana is a very successful player in every format of the game. She has won the prestigious ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award twice, which only one other player, Australia’s Ellyse Perry, has also done.
Mandhana will be working again with Strikers coach Luke Williams. He previously coached her when they both were part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team that won a championship earlier this year.
Besides the WPL, Mandhana and Strikers coach Luke Williams have already collaborated at Southern Brave for The Hundred.
“Smriti is a remarkable player, and we are excited to have her join the Strikers. Her technical abilities, experience, and strategic thinking are a great benefit to our team.”
“I have seen personally how committed and energetic she is for the team and during games. Her knowledge and guidance will be very important as we aim for victory in the next season.”
Mandhana is expected to strengthen the Strikers, who are the two-time defending champions. They won their first title in the eighth season of the tournament by beating Sydney Sixers by 10 runs in the final, and they kept their title last season by defeating Brisbane Heat by three runs in the final match.
The WBBL Draft will take place on Sunday, 1 September, and the Adelaide Strikers will play against the Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval in the first game of the WBBL 10 season on October 27.
