Sydney Sixers Acquire Sophie Ecclestone

The Women’s Big Bash League’s Sydney Sixers have scored a big victory by selecting Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s best T20 bowler.

Sophie Ecclestone joins the team coached by former England captain Charlotte Edwards, who stated her joy at “recruiting the best.” Ecclestone has never played in the WBBL previously. 

Playing In Australia Will Hold Sophie Ecclestone In Good Stead: Charlotte Edwards

“Sophie is the [world’s] leading T20 bowler – her record over the past few years speaks for itself – and we’re delighted to have her at the Sixers,” Edwards said. “In my opinion, we have recruited the best.  

“She can bowl in all phases of the game; she has the ability to take wickets at crucial times, and she can minimise the run-scoring at all times. I know the WBBL is a competition Sophie wants to play in, and the fact she’s had lots of experience playing in Australia will hold her in good stead,” Edwards said.  

Sophie Ecclestone Excited About Training With New Teammates

Ecclestone hasn’t participated in the competition previously, but in the 2020 T20 World Cup Down Under, she had a great tournament, taking 8 wickets in 4 games while bowling at a 3.23 economy rate.

The left-arm spinner, now 23 years old, made her international debut in 2017 at the age of 17, and in 58 games in the shortest format, she has taken 78 wickets. 

“They play in my favourite colour – so that’s a great start,” Ecclestone said. “Obviously they have great players with the likes of [Alyssa] Healy, [Ellyse] Perry and [Ash] Gardner, so I’m really excited about going over and playing with them.  

“It’ll be nice not to have to bowl at them… it’s nice they’ll be on my team for once! I’m excited [by the thought of getting] to know them and to start training with them and play in the same team,” she added.  

“It’s been a long time coming,” Ecclestone said of playing in the WBBL. “I’ve been meaning to go for a few years now. I’m so excited that, this year, it’s worked out well and I can get over there. I’ve seen a lot of it. A few of the England girls have been over in the past and they’ve loved the competition. I’ll hopefully enjoy myself!”  

After finishing last season’s competition in last place with just 4 victories in 14 games, this acquisition offers the Sixers a significant boost going into the 2022 season. 

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