Natalie Sciver and Amy Jones return to Perth Scorchers

Natalie Sciver and Amy Jones, the two England internationals, have signed with Perth Scorchers for the fifth season of the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia. Sciver, who played a crucial role in the club’s run to the final in 2017-18, will return after a year away from the WBBL. Jones, on the other hand, will continue her association with the Scorchers after enjoying a memorable 2018-19 season with them.



Their presence will further strengthen a Scorchers line up that already boasts of Meg Lanning and Nicole Bolton.



Heather Graham, who recently represented Australia A on their tour of England, has also signed an extension with the club. The allrounder was the joint-highest wicket-taker last season and has committed to playing for the Scorchers for the next three seasons. She was also awarded the Domestic Player of the Year in 2018.



“Heather has had her best year to date,” said Lisa Keightley, head coach of Perth Scorchers. “I think it is really exciting for our club to have home grown talent signing on for another three years. She’s become a real match winner and shows great maturity for a young player.”



“It’s exciting for the competition to have a world class talent like Nat Sciver back in Scorchers colours. She made a huge impact for us two seasons ago, so to have a genuine impact player back in the squad is awesome."



“Amy is a very exciting player and every year she is improving on the international stage. I think we’re yet to see the best of Amy, and I am confident she will put her stamp on the WBBL this year.”



The Scorchers have signed several new recruits for the first standalone season of the WBBL. Georgia Redmayne, former Hobart Hurricanes wicket-keeper, Jemma Barsby, the allrounder from Brisbane Heat, Samantha Betts from Adelaide Strikers, and Kathe Hempenstall, the right arm seamer from Western Australia, have all joined the squad.



Redmayne’s addition will particularly strengthen the batting order, that also includes the likes of Lanning, Bolton, Sciver and Jones. The left-hander has scored close to 800 runs through the previous four seasons of the WBBL for the Hurricanes. She will be a welcome addition to the middle order.



Mathilda Carmichael, Emma King, Taneale Peschel and Chloe Piparo have also recommitted to the club.



Scorchers will play their first match of the tournament against Melbourne Renegades in St.Kilda on October 23.



Perth Scorchers squad: Jemma Barsby, Samantha Betts, Nicole Bolton, Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Heather Graham, Kath Hempenstall, Amy Jones, Emma King, Meg Lanning, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Piparo, Georgia Redmayne, Nat Sciver.