Laura Wolvaardt to play for Adelaide Strikers in WBBL06

“I am so excited to be joining the Strikers,” said the South African batter, who had a stupendous T20 World Cup in Australia earlier this year. “They are an amazing cricket team and almost went all the way to win the tournament last year.”
“I have been lucky enough to play at both the Adelaide Oval and the Karen Rolton Oval, and both are such beautiful cricket grounds and the city is wonderful, too.”
Wolvaardt, who generally opens for South Africa, had batted at no.5 on the two occasions she got a chance in the global tournament in Australia. In both those matches, she played blistering knocks – her 27-ball 41 almost knocked Australia out in the semi-final. Her drives through the off side were a standout feature in both those innings.
In the annual Cricket South Africa awards, the 21-year-old bagged multiple awards including the South Africa Cricketer of the Year. She was also selected in the T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament for her exploits by the ICC.
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“I spent some time in Adelaide earlier this year for the World Cup. I am really excited to meet the team and to make some good memories on and off the field this year,” she said.
Given the form that Wolvaardt has been in this year, the Strikers, who were the runners-up in WBBL05, would hope that she fills the void created by Sophie Devine’s departure. The Kiwi skipper was the second-leading run-scorer last season and has been signed up to lead Perth Scorchers this season.
“We’re extremely pleased to have secured the signing of Laura who we think is an exceptional young talent and will fit into our group nicely,” said Luke Williams, Strikers’ Head Coach.
“We were very impressed by her standout performances on the biggest stage of them all, the T20 World Cup, and we’re excited for what she will bring to the Strikers batting order, and her versatility in that order.”
Squad so far: Suzie Bates, Darcie Brown, Tahlia McGrath, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt.