The first Adelaide Strikers squad of the WBBL season has confirmed the worst kept secret in the League – Bridget Patterson will take the gloves for the Strikers in WBBL|09.
With long-term wicket-keeper Tegan McPharlin retiring after the WBBL|08 season, there has been speculation all off-season about who will replace her.
Patterson is already the best fielder in the WBBL competition, having taken a League-high 54 catches, with her skills to now being used behind the stumps.
A squad of 14 Strikers has been named for their opening match of the WBBL|09 season against the Melbourne Stars at Karen Rolton Oval on Saturday night.
The only Striker unavailable for selection is pace bowler Darcie Brown, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.
Squad of 14: Tahlia McGrath (C), Megan Schutt (VC), Georgia Adams, Jemma Barsby, Danielle Gibson, Katie Mack, Anesu Mushangwe, Courtney Neale, Annie O’Neil, Bridget Patterson (WK), Maddie Penna, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Ella Wilson, Laura Wolvaardt
All three of the Strikers new recruits – English all-rounders Georgia Adams and Dani Gibson and pace bowler Courtney Neale – have been included in their first Strikers squad.
Adams and Gibson only arrived in Adelaide for the first time at the beginning of this week and Adelaide Strikers captain Tahlia McGrath said they have fit straight in.
“We have a lot of fun in our group, a lot of banter and it seems like they’ve been part of our squad for four years,” McGrath said.
“The transition has been seamless and it’s really cool to bring fresh energy, fresh faces into the group and I’m sure they’re as keen as us to get out there.
“We love playing at home, we love entertaining our fans and they’re always really loud and get behind us.
“So, to kick off our campaign at home and start the process of hopefully going back-to-back, we’re really excited.”
Exclusive to our opening match of the season, WBBL|08 Championship posters will be handed out to attendees ground, with a range of other off-field entertainment also locked in.
Buy your tickets to the match, starting at 6:40pm, by clicking here.