Laura Wolvaardt confirms participation in next WBBL season

South African international Laura Wolvaardt has set her eyes on the big prize this year as she confirmed her returned to Adelaide Strikers for the next Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season. The smasher has spent the last two seasons with the Strikers and has now confirmed that their association will continue for another year.

Wolvaardt has been very successful with the Strikers and was the top-scorer for her side in the sixth edition of the competition. In the previous season, she finished just behind Katie Mack as the second-highest run-scorer for her side. 

“I love playing for Adelaide and am so happy that I will return this year. We were so close to the title last year and I know that as a team, we can take that next step this season,” said Wolvaardt from Birmingham where South Africa had been competing at the Commonwealth Games. “The fans around Australia love the WBBL and support us so well. I am really excited to see everyone again and hopefully put together a strong season.”

We are thrilled to have her back: Coach Luke Williams

Wolvaardt is an asset to the Strikers not just with the bat, but also as a gun fielder. Last year, she made quite a few headlines because her fielding brilliance. Strikers head coach Luke Williams said that he is thrilled to have her back in the squad.

“Laura is a fantastic player and fantastic person. We are thrilled to have her back for a third season,” said the coach. “With a large number of international caps and plenty of experience in Australian conditions, Laura is a massive part of our team. We are extremely pleased she wants to play for the Strikers.”

Wolvaardt has proved her class in the past two seasons. In the previous season, she scored 381 runs from 17 matches at an average of 29.30 and a strike rate of 121.33. Head coach Luke Williams will hope that she replicates something similar to help the Strikers win their maiden title this year.