Cricket

The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) draft is set to take place on September 1, and teams are eagerly preparing to bolster their squads. Here's a comprehensive look at the pre-draft signings, retention options, and potential targets for each club:Adelaide Strikers:* Pre-draft signing: Smriti Mandhana* Retention rights: Georgia Adams, Laura Wolvaardt* Draft picks: 6, 14, 22, 27The Strikers have secured the services of Indian superstar Smriti Mandhana and are expected to retain Laura Wolvaardt. They may seek a middle-order allrounder to complement their strong batting lineup.Brisbane Heat:* Pre-draft signing: Nadine de Klerk* Retention rights: Bess Heath* Draft picks: 7, 15, 18, 31With several key departures, the Heat will prioritize replacing Amelia Kerr's all-round abilities. They may also target a top-order batter to support Grace Harris and Georgia Redmayne.Hobart Hurricanes:* Pre-draft signing: Lizelle Lee* Retention rights: Shabnim Ismail, Bryony Smith* Draft picks: 1, 9, 24, 25The Hurricanes have secured Lizelle Lee and will use their top pick to acquire a top-four batter. They may also seek an additional pace bowler to strengthen their attack.Melbourne Renegades:* Pre-draft signing: Hayley Matthews* Retention rights: Eve Jones, Harmanpreet Kaur* Draft picks: 3, 11, 19, 30The Renegades have made significant domestic signings but may still target a top-order batter and an allrounder to complement their strong bowling unit.Melbourne Stars:* Pre-draft signing: Marizanne Kapp* Retention rights: Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley* Draft picks: 4, 12, 21, 28The Stars have a strong pace-bowling unit but may seek a high-quality frontline spinner. They may also target another top-order batter to support Meg Lanning.Perth Scorchers:* Pre-draft signing: Sophie Devine* Retention rights: Amy Jones, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt* Draft picks: 8, 16, 17, 32The Scorchers may opt for a similar batting-heavy approach as last year, having secured Sophie Devine. They may also consider strengthening their bowling department.Sydney Sixers:* Pre-draft signing: Amelia Kerr* Retention rights: Suzie Bates, Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Linsey Smith* Draft picks: 2, 10, 23, 26The Sixers have added Amelia Kerr's all-round abilities and may seek another spinner. They may also target a top-order batter to supplement Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry.Sydney Thunder:* Pre-draft signing: Chamari Athapaththu* Retention rights: Heather Knight* Draft picks: 5, 13, 20, 29The Thunder have secured Heather Knight but may seek another frontline bowling option. They may also target a middle-order hitter to complement Taneale Peschel.