Working with Shelley Nitschke an opportunity too good to pass for Sophie Devine

“They asked me last year if I wanted to jump ship and join the Scorchers, but I sort of wanted one more crack with the strikers and they asked again this year,” said Devine over a video conference on Wednesday (August 5).
“And the opportunity, especially with Shelley Nitschke taking the team, was I guess an opportunity I just couldn't pass up and obviously, hearing recently as well, Beth Mooney jumping across to Perth. It's shaping up to be a great team and I am looking forward to switching the blue for the orange.”
Nitschke’s presence has been a major factor behind Devine’s move. The duo had played together for Strikers before the former Australian player retired in 2017.
“First of all this is big coming out from a Kiwi, she is an absolute legend. I don't say that too often about Aussies, but she is an absolute legend of the game,” said Devine.
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“She is just has been an absolute champion of the women's game and the work that she has done with the Australian team the last couple of years like Beth said. She goes about her business with a nice little vibe. She has got so much knowledge and experience that she passes on. I think that's really important and key thing about Shelley is that she is really relevant.”
“To have that her own personal experience, I think it's going to get her a real leg-up in terms of how she coaches. And away from the field too she is an absolute trooper; she is always one to have a laugh. I think that's something that saw that relationship we had going from strength to strength because we get on really well away from the cricket field, too.”
Devine revealed that she has been planning for the tournament with Nitschke about the possible combinations and goals.
“We haven't been able to get together as a squad yet, but I have been having regular contact with Shelley with few of the goals for the season coming up and certainly with the squad we are putting together. Hopefully, we will be pushing for the final spot,” she said.
“The great thing we got with this squad at the moment is it’s got great balance and we’ve got a lot of variety. If you look at Nicole Bolton and Heather Graham, two fantastic allrounders… Obviously being an allrounder myself I am very biased towards them.”
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Sophie Devine in action. © Getty Images
Devine also revealed that she is chuffed and eager to bat alongside Mooney. She was looking for a chance to watch the southpaw bat from the other end and now is delighted to be in the same team as the Aussie opener.
“I have been thinking about it in the last couple of years whether it's Australia or Heat. ‘I would love to be on the other side of it rather than chasing the ball around',” she stated.
“Anytime you see players of her level, at least there is a hint of jealously. It just makes me want to be better. The opportunity to play alongside Moons is something I cannot wait for.”
“The partnership she built with Alyssa Healy and Australian level was certainly the envy of lot of teams going around. So, it would be so nice to be down the other end of it and not have to chase the ball around the park."
Devine said that she would go with the flow, when asked about the Women’s World Cup 2021 that is slated to be held in February-March next year.
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