Batter Sophia Dunkley was the top pick in the Women’s Big Bash draft as Sydney Sixers opted not to retain her England team-mate Sophie Ecclestone.
With the first pick in the draft the Sixers could have resigned spinner Ecclestone, who has been at the franchise since 2022 and until recently the number one bowler in the T20 rankings, but opted to prioritise their batting in signing Dunkley.
Ecclestone was left out of England’s squad to play West Indies last month and later said she would take a short break from domestic cricket to “prioritise her wellbeing” and recover from injury.
The 26-year-old, who will return to England duty for the series against India which starts later this month, was subsequently signed by Adelaide Strikers, who also opted for England batter Tammy Beaumont.
Elsewhere, Melbourne Stars picked England wicketkeeper Amy Jones, batter Paige Scholfield was signed to play in the tournament for the first time by Perth Scorchers while Hobart Hurricanes picked up spinner Linsey Smith, who impressed for England in Ecclestone’s absence against West Indies.
England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt had already been pre-signed by the Hurricanes in the hours leading up to the draft.
The Tasmanian outfit also used their right to retain England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge, likewise Sydney Thunder with former England skipper Heather Knight.
England all-rounder Dani Gibson has moved to Melbourne Stars and Alice Capsey will return to Melbourne Renegades.
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews had been pre-signed by Melbourne Renegades but it was announced on Thursday that she will miss the tournament to have shoulder surgery.
WBBL draft picks in full:
Adelaide Strikers: Sophie Ecclestone (England), Laura Wolvaardt* (South Africa), Tammy Beaumont (England)
Brisbane Heat: Jemimah Rodrigues (India), Chinelle Henry (West Indies), Nadine de Klerk* (South Africa)
Hobart Hurricanes: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England), Nat Sciver-Brunt* (England), Linsey Smith (England)
Melbourne Renegades: Deandra Dottin (West Indies), Alice Capsey (England)
Melbourne Stars: Amy Jones (England), Marizanne Kapp* (South Africa), Dani Gibson (England)
Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine* (New Zealand), Paige Scholfield (England), Chloe Tryon (South Africa)
Sydney Sixers: Sophia Dunkley (England), Amelia Kerr* (New Zealand), Mady Villiers (England)
Sydney Thunder: Heather Knight (England), Chamari Athapaththu* (Sri Lanka), Shabnim Ismail (South Africa)
*indicates player was pre-signed before draft
