Perth Scorchers look to secure services of Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine for WBBL06

Meg Lanning confirmed her move to Melbourne Stars for season six of the Women's Big Bash League on Wednesday (July 22), Perth Scorchers have reportedly found not just one, but two, excellent replacements for the Australian skipper.

Beth Mooney, the double WBBL-title winner, has already been linked with the Perth-based club, and looks good to fill Lanning's giant shoes. But in what comes as a huge surprise, The West Australian have reported that Scorchers are likely to secure the services of New Zealand allrounder Sophie Devine.

Devine, recently appointed as full-time New Zealand captain, was named the WBBL's 'Most Valuable Player' last season after she finished with a unbelievable tally of 769 runs and 19 wickets, almost single-handedly carrying Adelaide Strikers into their maiden final. Her contract with the club ended last season.

With a total of 2174 runs and 60 wickets across five seasons of the competition, Devine is Strikers' most successful batter and second-most successful bowler in the history of the WBBL. Only Mooney and Australian allrounder Ellyse Perry have scored more runs than her in the tournament.

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In 2019-20, Devine was contracted with Western Australia, with whom she played the WNCL. In an interview with cricket.com.au last year, she credited her stint with the state for her incredible run of form through the WBBL and following international matches.

Last season, Mooney was hot on the heels of Devine, racking up 743 runs at an average of 74.30, including a match-winning half-century in the final, to help Brisbane Heat secure their second title. The left-hander carried her scintillating form into the T20 World Cup, scoring a record 259 runs and bagging the Player of the Tournament award.

If the Scorchers manage to secure the services of both players, they will have a strong base from which to build. Nicole Bolton, who has been part of the club from the start is a core member of the batting group, while allrounders Heather Graham, Jemma Barsby, and bowlers Piepa Cleary and Emma King are the other members of the squad.

The club have also appointed Shelley Nitschke as head coach of the side. She will replace Lisa Keightley who has taken up the position of head of coach England.