Women’s Big Bash League 2023: Schedule, format and England stars to watch

There is plenty of England involvement, with some playing in the tournament for the first time and other big names missing.

Reigning champions Strikers have recruited English domestic player Georgia Adams. The 30-year-old all-rounder is uncapped internationally but a regular star performer on the regional circuit – a top-order batter who was also the leading wicket-taker in this year’s Hundred.

Strikers have also signed all-rounder Danielle Gibson, 22, who made her international debut during this year’s Ashes. Gibson is primarily a seamer but provides lower-order aggression with the bat.

Brisbane Heat will have the services of England leg-spinner Sarah Glenn for the early part of the tournament until New Zealand counterpart Amelia Kerr returns from international duty. Glenn is joined by youngster Bess Heath, a powerful batter who made her England debut against Sri Lanka in September.

Opening batter Bryony Smith, who has represented England but struggled to nail down a place, will represent Hobart Hurricanes.

England regular Tammy Beaumont will look to further press her case for a spot in the T20 side, which has one eye on the World Cup in Bangladesh in September 2024, by playing for Melbourne Renegades. Beaumont is in fine form after scoring the first women’s century in The Hundred in August.

Melbourne Stars boast the most England players with Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey and Maia Bouchier in their ranks. It is Dunkley’s first experience of the WBBL while Bouchier and Capsey have both been involved with the Stars before, in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

England wicketkeeper Amy Jones will represent Perth Scorchers, and they are also coached by former England spinner Becky Grundy. Danni Wyatt was originally drafted by the Scorchers, but she withdrew because of her workload.

Finally, England captain Heather Knight will lead Sydney Thunder, and is reunited with former England head coach Lisa Keightley. Seamer Lauren Bell has also been picked by Thunder.

World number one spinner Sophie Ecclestone will not feature as she recovers from a dislocated shoulder, with fellow internationals Kate Cross and Issy Wong going unsold in the draft.