Freya Kemp to return to Perth Scorchers for 2026 WBBL

Perth Scorchers have confirmed the re-signing of England left-hander Freya Kemp for the 2026 Women's Big Bash League. The 21-year-old power hitter returns to the club after making a clear impression during her previous stint in the competition.

Kemp's capacity to accelerate the scoring in the lower order was a standout feature of her time with the Scorchers. Her return adds further depth to a squad that already features experienced campaigners such as Beth Mooney and Alana King. The Scorchers claimed their first WBBL title during the 2021-22 season and will be aiming to build on that achievement with a competitive group for the campaign ahead.

"I loved my time with the Scorchers last season, and I’m really excited to be coming back for another year. The group was incredibly welcoming from day one and it was a fantastic environment to be part of, both on and off the field. I’m looking forward to getting back to Perth, working hard with the team and hopefully helping contribute to a successful season," Kemp said in an official statement.

What has Kemp shown in international cricket ahead of WBBL|12?

Kemp made her England T20 debut at just 17 years and 95 days against South Africa, placing her among the younger players to have represented England in the format. Her ODI debut followed a few months later, confirming her status as a genuine prospect at international level.

She also turned out for Southern Brave alongside Sophie Devine in the 2025 Women's Hundred, adding high-profile franchise experience to her record before heading back to Perth.

In the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, Kemp produced a notable contribution with the bat for England, registering 44 not out from 28 deliveries in one of her appearances. Earlier in the English domestic calendar, she accumulated 149 runs across three innings in the ECB Women's One-Day Cup, demonstrating consistent form with the bat across formats.

What have the Scorchers said about Kemp's return?

The Perth Scorchers organisation moved quickly to secure Kemp for a second season, citing both her on-field value and her integration into the team environment as key factors in the decision.

"Freya made a strong impact during her time with us last season and we're delighted to welcome her back to Scorchers for Weber WBBL|12. She's an incredibly talented young player whose best cricket is still ahead of her, and her ability to contribute at the end of our innings adds tremendous value to our squad. Just as significantly, Freya embraced our team environment and culture, and we're excited to see her continue building on those connections this summer," Scorchers General Manager Kade Harvey said in the statement.