Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
Adelaide Strikers’ bid for an historic three-peat of WBBL titles has been boosted by the signing of one of Australia’s most promising young all-rounders Eleanor Larosa.
The 18-year-old left-arm pace bowler and accomplished left-hand batter has represented South Australia and Australia at under-19 level and made her senior cricket debut during last summer’s Women’s National Cricket League season.
But her most striking performance came at the national Under-19 championships in Brisbane late last year when she blasted 114 from 137 balls faced batting at number three against Western Australia, then followed up by claiming 5-20 with the ball.
Larosa adds to the Strikers’ impressive bowling depth for WBBL|10 as she joins Australia-capped trio Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown and Tahlia McGrath as well as Player of the Match in last season’s thrilling grand final win, Amanda-Jade Wellington.
“I’m thrilled to join the Strikers squad for the coming summer and can’t wait to be part of such a successful group,” Larosa said.
“I’ve loved being among the amazing fans who have celebrated the WBBL title wins over the past two seasons and to now be one of the girls in blue is truly a dream come true.
“There’s so much I can learn from my teammates and from coaches such as Luke Williams and Nicole Bolton, both as a bowler and a batter.”
Larosa’s all-round ability is underscored by the fact she made her WNCL debut against Victoria last summer primarily as a bowler, but then top scored for SA in the season’s final game against New South Wales with 55.
In addition to earning selection in the Kookaburra SA Premier Cricket Team of the Year for 2022-23, she won the Shelley Nitschke Medal as SA Twenty20 Cup Player of the Season and collected the under-19 female batting award at the annual Dansie McCauley Medal presentation.
“We’re delighted to sign a player of Eleanor’s undoubted ability to a one-year contract,” Strikers’ dual title-winning coach Luke Williams said.
“As a left-arm bowler and left-handed batter she offers us a real point of difference which is vital in such a tightly contested T20 competition.
“Her performances for both South Australia and Australia at under-19 level have been impressive, and we believe she is a player of the future.”
The schedule for WBBL|10 was unveiled last week with the Strikers to start their championship defence with a blockbuster re-match of last season’s grand final against Brisbane Heat as part of a double-header at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, October 27.
The Strikers return to Adelaide Oval for a meeting with Hobart Hurricanes on November 16 as part of the WBBL’s Stadium Series, with home games also at Karen Rolton Oval against Melbourne Renegades (November 11) and Perth Scorchers (November 19) for the Aunty Faith Thomas Trophy in First Nations Round.
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