The Sixers’ top order is taking shape with destructive England opener Sophia Dunkley back in magenta
The Sydney Sixers have locked in a key piece ahead of the Weber WBBL|12 season, securing England batter Sophia Dunkley on a one-year deal.
Last year’s No.1 pick in the now-scrapped WBBL draft, Dunkley impressed at the top of the order in magenta last season, forming a potent opening partnership alongside Ellyse Perry.
The 28-year-old’s 354 runs were second only to Perry’s 412 for the club, helping the Sixers return to the finals for the first time since WBBL|08.
Dunkley will arrive in Australia buoyed with confidence after a successful stint in this year’s Hundred playing alongside Sixers skipper Ashleigh Gardner at Trent Rockets.
The right-hander scored 301 runs at 37.62, striking at 164.48, to help the Rockets claim the title.
Dunkley also made an impact in England’s home T20 World Cup campaign earlier in the northern summer, despite limited opportunities.
She was called into the XI in place of an injured Natalie Sciver-Brunt, scoring 120 runs in three matches at an average of 60 with a strike rate of 139.53, and was unfortunate to be squeeze back out of the starting side for the knockout stages when the England skipper returned.
“I loved my time with the Sixers last season and I’m so excited to be back,” Dunkley said in a statement.
“From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by the players, coaches and fans. I absolutely loved my time with the club, last year and can’t wait to be back playing with the girls at North Sydney.”
The Sixers will go into WBBL|12 hoping to build on a promising season that saw them reach the Challenger final before they were knocked out by the Perth Scorchers.
Dunkley is the second overseas player to sign with the Sixers, alongside New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr who enters the final season of her three-year contract.
Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said Dunkley’s experience on the international stage and in T20 leagues made her a valuable addition to their plans for WBBL|12.
“Sophia made an immediate impact last season, adding quality to our batting line-up and quickly becoming a valued member of the group on and off-the-field,” Haynes said.
“Sophia is an experienced international player who continues to perform on the biggest stages, and we’re delighted she’ll be back in Magenta this summer.”
The Sixers can add one more international to their 15-player squad if they wish, and finding a replacement behind the stumps for the retired Alyssa Healy remains a priority.
They currently do not have a ‘keeper among their nine signed players, with Emma Manix-Geeves, who was a back-up to Healy last season, also out of contract.
The contract embargo for WBBL|12 was lifted last week as a raft of changes to the signing system were confirmed. The overseas player draft was scrapped, and all signings will now be made directly between the club and player.
Clubs are also no longer required to sign three overseas players and can use those spots on locals if desired.
Contracted for WBBL|12: Caoimhe Bray, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Sophia Dunkley (England), Ashleigh Gardner, Elsa Hunter, Amelia Kerr (New Zealand), Ellyse Perry, Courtney Sippel
Uncontracted: Erin Burns, Mathilda Carmichael, Lauren Kua, Emma Manix-Geeves, Mady Villiers (England)
Out: Alyssa Healy (retired)
Coach: Peter Clarke (new)
