The Adelaide Strikers have bolstered their batting line-up by securing emerging keeper-batter Ellie Johnston from the Brisbane Heat for the upcoming WBBL season.
Johnston, 21, spent the last three seasons with the Heat and was set to stay for the next, but the club agreed to release her, allowing her to sign with the Strikers. Known for her powerful hitting, Johnston had limited chances during her time at the Heat, playing just four matches in WBBL|09. However, she showcased her potential when given the opportunity, notably scoring her first half-century off 34 balls against the Stars.
Johnston has also impressed on the national stage, featuring for the Governor-General’s XI in an exhibition match against Pakistan in early 2023.
The Strikers, now aiming for a historic third consecutive WBBL title, believe Johnston will add depth and versatility to their squad. Johnston shared her excitement about joining a successful team, expressing her admiration for the club’s accomplishments and eagerness to contribute both with the bat and gloves. She stated that she was thrilled to be part of the Strikers and looked forward to playing in front of fans at Karen Rolton Oval and Adelaide Oval.
Johnston will face her former team, the Brisbane Heat, in the Strikers’ first match of their title defence at Adelaide Oval.
In other news, the Melbourne Stars have re-signed promising all-rounder Rhys McKenna for another year. The former Australian Under-19 captain has shown immense potential in her 30 appearances since her first contract with the Stars in 2021. A standout moment came during WBBL|09 when McKenna claimed the wickets of Chamari Athapaththu, Phoebe Litchfield, and Marizanne Kapp in quick succession during a match against the Thunder.
Both teams are gearing up for the upcoming WBBL|10 season, with exciting new additions and returning players hoping to make their mark.
Strikers' Contracted Players for WBBL|10:
Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Ellie Johnston, Eleanor Larosa, Katie Mack, Smriti Mandhana (India), Anesu Mushangwe, Tahlia McGrath (c), Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Orla Prendergast (Ireland), Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa).
Strikers’ New Signings:
Smriti Mandhana (India), Eleanor Larosa, Orla Prendergast (Ireland), Ellie Johnston (Brisbane Heat).
Strikers’ Departures:
Georgia Adams (Thunder), Dani Gibson.
Stars' Contracted Players for WBBL|10:
Yastika Bhatia (India), Sophie Day, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Maisy Gibson, Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Reid, Deepti Sharma (India), Annabel Sutherland.
Stars’ New Signings:
Deepti Sharma (India), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Yastika Bhatia (India), Maisy Gibson (Hurricanes).
Stars’ Departures:
Nicole Faltum, Milly Illingworth, Alice Capsey (Renegades), Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley.