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A new set of siblings are looking to make their mark on Australian cricket alongside the Marsh, Waugh and Chappell families.
Australian skipper and world No.1-rated batter Meg Lanning will be joined by her younger sister Anna in the Melbourne Stars when they open the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) against Brisbane Heat on Saturday.
The teams will play two back-to-back matches at the Junction Oval in Melbourne to kick off the inaugural Twenty20 competition, which has attracted many of the world’s best players.
A local derby with the Sydney Sixers against Sydney Thunder follows at the Howell Oval in Penrith on Sunday.
Meg, 22, said she was excited about having her sister, who is exactly two years younger, in the line-up.
Anna is an all-rounder, although has been focusing on batting this year with her Victorian club side.
“It’s fantastic that she’s been able to join me playing at the Stars as we really enjoy playing together,” Meg said.
“Hopefully she can move through the ranks with more experience at the top level.”
The Lanning duo will be put to the test by England fast bowler Kate Cross, who has signed with the Heat.
Cross starred for England in their Ashes series loss to Australia and captured headlines as the first female to play in the Central Lancashire League, where she claimed figures of 8-47 for her team Henley.
Cross said it was exciting to play among the best in the world and she was looking forward to proving the women’s game was just as entertaining as the men’s version.
“We’ve got a stage to showcase our product and as you know we don’t get a lot of airtime,” Cross said.
“I think it’s something that’s been needed. I think it’s something that’s been a long time coming and Australia’s put it all together … it’s going to be a great competition.”
Who: Exactly the same as the men’s competition, there are eight teams:
Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder.
What: 58 matches over 51 days
When: Dec 5 – Final Jan 24
Adelaide Strikers
Australian internationals: Sarah Coyte, Megan Schutt, Shelley Nitschke (former)
Overseas internationals: Sophie Devine (New Zealand), Sarah Taylor (England)
Brisbane Heat
Australian internationals: Jessica Jonassen, Grace Harris, Beth Mooney, Holly Ferling, Delissa Kimmince, Jodie Fields (former)
Overseas internationals: Kate Cross (England), Lauren Winfield (England)
Hobart Hurricanes
Australian internationals: Julie Hunter
Overseas internationals: Heather Knight (England), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Amy Satterthwaite (New Zealand)
Melbourne Renegades
Australian internationals: Sarah Elliott (former)
Overseas internationals:, Dane Van Niekerk (South Africa), Danielle Wyatt (England), Rachel Priest (New Zealand)
Melbourne Stars
Australian internationals: Meg Lanning, Kristen Beams
Overseas internationals: Mignon du Preez (South Africa), Morna Nielsen (New Zealand), Natalie Sciver (England)
Perth Scorchers
Australian internationals: Nicole Bolton, Elyse Villani
Overseas internationals: Suzie Bates (New Zealand), Katherine Brunt (England), Deandra Dottin (West Indies), Charlotte Edwards (England)
Sydney Sixers
Australian internationals: Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, Lisa Sthalekar (former)
Overseas internationals: Sara McGlashan (New Zealand), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Laura Marsh (England)
Sydney Thunder
Australian internationals: Alex Blackwell, Rene Farrell, Erin Osborne, Rachel Haynes (former)
Overseas internationals: Stafanie Taylor (West Indies)
Information courtesy of cricket.com.au
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