WBBL Draft Preview: Teams Eye Key Signings to Bolster Squads

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, 27

The 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, 31

With 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, 25

The 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, 30

The 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, 28

The 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, 32

The 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, 26

The 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, 29

The Thunder have secured Heather Knight but may seek another frontline bowling option. They may also target a middle-order hitter to complement Taneale Peschel.

Tags: #WBBLDraft, #Women'sCricket, #PlayerAcquisitions, #TeamStrategies, #CricketNews