Megan Schutt signs three-year extension with Adelaide Strikers

28-year-old Schutt who filled in as captain last season in the absence of New Zealand batter Suzie Bates has never missed a game for the Strikers. Although the side failed to make the knockout stage in WBBL06, Schutt's leadership and guidance of a young side that included WBBL06 Young Gun of the Year, Darcie Brown, was extremely impressive.

"I am so excited to sign a long-term deal as a Striker and am extremely motivated to continue the work of building something special with this amazing group we have," Schutt said.

"It is a dream to be able to represent Adelaide and South Australia and I will always do that with pride. We can’t wait to play in front of our passionate fans this season. There are plenty of games scheduled at home for us, so we’ll see everyone there!"

Schutt, who opted out of Australia's series against India after the birth of her first child, is the only Australian woman to take a hat-trick in both ODIs and T20Is. The ODI and T20 World Cup winner has represented the country on 142 occasions, and has over 200 wickets to her credit.

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Strikers head coach Luke Williams expressed excitement following the seamer's signing, saying that the experience and professional attitude she brings to the squad will hold the young team in good stead.

"Megan is a huge part of the Adelaide Strikers, and we are thrilled to have her elite talent locked away for at least three more years. Megan brings much more than wickets to our team; she brings experience and a positive, professional attitude that affects our entire squad."

"I know how much Megan loves representing South Australia, and to have her in blue well into the future is a great result for everyone involved," Williams concluded.

Schutt joins in-form allrounder Tahlia McGrath and tearaway quick Brown as the third centrally contracted Australian in the Strikers' squad alongside overseas signings Laura Wolvaardt and Dane van Niekerk.

The Strikers will kick off their campaign against defending champions Sydney Thunder on October 16.