South African batting sensation Laura Wolvaardt has penned down a contract with Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), for the upcoming edition of the tournament. The official announcement was made on Thursday, August 6.
21-year-old Wolvaardt was named as South Africa’s best player for the month of July. She will join White Fern legend Suzie Bates in the Strikers’ lineup, replacing Sophie Devine. Earlier, Devine made a move to the Perth Scorchers.
Other stars in the Strikers’ lineup include Megan Schutt and Tahila McGrath. Wolvaardt represented the Brisbane Heat in the earlier edition of WBBL.
“We’re extremely pleased to have secured the signing of Laura who we think is an exceptional young talent and will fit into our group nicely,” Strikers coach Luke Williams said, according to Cricbuzz.
“We were very impressed by her standout performances on the biggest stage of them all, the T20 World Cup, and we’re excited for what she will bring to the Strikers batting order, and her versatility in that order.” he added.
Despite Laura’s average run in the tournament last season, Brisbane Heat went on to lift the title. Moreover, the South African hard-hitter had an exceptional 2020 World T20, chipping in with vital cameos down the order.
After the development went public, Woolvardt made an official statement, which reads, “I am so excited to be joining the Strikers. They are an amazing cricket team and almost went all the way to win the tournament last year.”
“I have been lucky enough to play at both the Adelaide Oval and the Karen Rolton Oval, and both are such beautiful cricket grounds and the city is wonderful too,” she added.
The Cape Town-born cricketer holds an impressive record in ODI cricket. She posses a staggering average of 45 and has amassed 1871 runs in just 50 games. The South African has scored a couple of tons and 16 half-centuries in the process.
Wolvaardt gained recognition for her unbeaten knocks against Pakistan (53) and Australia (41) in the 2020 T20 World Cup.
