The Adelaide Strikers’ quest for an unprecedented three-peat in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) has received a significant boost with the retention of star international player Laura Wolvaardt. The South African captain, who has been instrumental in the Strikers’ success over the past four seasons, was retained as the team’s Platinum player in the Round One of the Weber WBBL draft.
Wolvaardt, known as one of the premier T20 top-order batters in the world, played a crucial role in the Strikers’ back-to-back title wins. Last season, she formed a formidable opening partnership with Katie Mack, which proved vital in the Strikers’ WBBL|09 title defense. Their partnership reached its peak with a record-breaking 135-run stand in the season opener against the Melbourne Stars.
Finishing WBBL|09 with 402 runs at an average of 30.92 and a strike rate of 108.64, Wolvaardt was the second-highest run-scorer for the Strikers, only behind Mack. Her contributions were particularly crucial during the finals push, including a match-winning 70* against Sydney Thunder and a 73-run knock in a crucial match against Hobart Hurricanes that secured the Strikers’ top spot.
Wolvaardt’s return solidifies an already formidable top order for the Strikers, which includes Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath, Smriti Mandhana, and Katie Mack. Her experience and consistency at the top will be key as the Strikers aim to secure their third consecutive WBBL title.
In addition to Wolvaardt, the Strikers have also secured the services of Irish allrounder Orla Prendergast, who was picked in the fourth round of the WBBL draft. Prendergast, who debuted for Ireland in T20Is in 2019, brings a wealth of experience in white-ball cricket. Known for her strong strike rate of 117.23 and her adaptability across formats, Prendergast recently impressed with a century against Sri Lanka in a WODI and a standout debut for Western Storm in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Prendergast’s all-round abilities will be a valuable asset as the Strikers aim for another championship run. The team will kick off their title defense in a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s grand final against the Brisbane Heat at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday, October 27.
With Wolvaardt and Prendergast joining an already star-studded lineup, the Adelaide Strikers are well-equipped to pursue a historic third-straight WBBL title.
