The draft day for the eagerly awaited 11th WBBL just concluded. The event began at 4 PM AEST (11:30 AM IST). Based on April’s weighted lottery, the Sydney Sixers had the right to first pick. To everyone’s surprise, the two-time champions used their first pick on Sophia Dunkley, passing over left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone. However, the decision makes sense, with Ashleigh Gardner and the pre-signed leggie, Amelia Kerr, already in the spin department. The batting department struggled in the last season. However, Dunkley’s inclusion adds much-needed balance to a star-studded batting unit that already features Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy.
Dunkley, who last appeared in WBBL in 2023 for the Melbourne Stars. However, she had a modest outing in the WBBL, averaging only 15 with a strike rate of 110 and a sole half-century to her name. Now, signed as a platinum draft, she would like to make her mark. Dunkley has looked good in the WPL and the recently concluded series against West Indies and will try to add plenty of firepower at the top of the order.
Pre-signed platinum pick Amelia Kerr will be looking to extend her impressive form. The leg-spinning all-rounder clinched the Purple Cap in the previous WPL season, claiming 18 wickets at an average of 15.94 and playing a key role in Mumbai’s run to a second WPL title.
Kerr’s impact is not limited to the ball. She is capable with the bat too, averaging 24.2 at a strike rate of 116.77 in the WBBL, and provides valuable contributions in the middle order. In addition to her all-round skills, she is also a gun fielder who adds sharpness and energy in the field.
The Sixers third overseas player in the draft is Mady Villiers, who was picked in the last round as the 25th pick. The English all-rounder has bagged a bronze contract. With her off-spinning abilities, Villiers will support the likes of Kerr and Gardner and also provide a lower-middle-order batting depth. Making her WBBL debut this season, Villiers brings tight, economical bowling and the ability to accelerate late in the innings, with a T20I strike rate north of 166.
WBBL-11 Draft selections for Sydney Sixers
Amelia Kerr (New Zealand, pre-signing), Sophia Dunkley (England), Mady Villiers (England)
