Three new faces in Western Australia squad for 2020-21

Three new faces –Alana King, Zoe Britcliffe and Georgia Wyllie -- have been added as Western Australia announced its squad for the 2020-2021 season on Tuesday (June 23) looking to defend the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) title this summer.



Experienced Victorian right-arm leg-spinner King has been added to bolster an already formidable bowling attack made up of last season’s WNCL Player of the Year Nicole Bolton and the State’s leading wicket-taker Emma King. Port Hedland fast bowler Britcliffe has been upgraded to a senior contract as well as Mandurah’s Wyllie, following strong performances in the WACA Female High-Performance program.



Head Coach Becky Grundy said the calibre and depth of talent in the squad will strengthen their ability to defend the title. “The success from last season provides the group with a great foundation to build on, with our main two focuses for this season being a continual drive to deliver a strong high-performance program and players to continue to maximise their potential,” she said.



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“This gives us the platform to peak at the right times in the season and provide a real chance to be in a position to defend the title. Georgia and Zoe have both transitioned from our rookie program, which is a testament to our strong talent pathway and the development of female cricket in WA.



“We are thrilled to have Alana join us from Victoria, she’ll bring a wealth of experience to the group having played state cricket for a number of seasons now and provides us with another attacking option with both the bat and ball,” she added.



However, Heather Graham has moved to Tasmania, while New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine (International duties), Kath Hempenstall and Ashlee King have been dropped off the contracted list for the upcoming season.



Squad: Megan Banting, Nicole Bolton, Zoe Britcliffe, Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Sheldyn Cooper, Ashley Day, Amy Edgar, Molly Healy, Alana King, Emma King, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Piparo and Georgia Wyllie.