.png)
Perth Scorchers off-spinner Lilly Mills says she is excited about the prospect of English star Nat Sciver-Brunt joining the club.
The gun all-rounder did not nominate for the WBBL draft due to a knee injury but is set to join the Scorchers via the competition’s direct nomination process, despite Meg Lanning - the skipper of her former side, the Melbourne Stars - publicly expressing her displeasure.
Mills told Sports Breakfast she would be delighted to have Sciver-Brunt on board.
“Nat’s a world-class player,” Mills said.
“The fact she didn’t nominate for the draft originally, I think a lot of teams were disappointed.
“If we’re lucky enough to pick her up, that would be an amazing addition to our squad. Happy to have her in orange if that’s the case.”
Unlike the men’s side, who have mostly looked to build their list from within the state, the women’s setup has actively recruited from other states in the last few seasons, with former Sydney Sixers bowler Stella Campbell their latest pickup.
Mills said the 21-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the quickest bowlers on the women’s cricket circuit, would add important depth to the club’s bowling stocks.
“Being from the west and playing our home games at the WACA, I don’t think there’s a bowler that’s more suited than Stella,” she said.
“Really looking forward to her making her debut and chucking on the orange.
“[She’ll] terrorise some batters and hopefully pick up some wickets for us.”
The Scorchers missed the finals last year after winning the WBBL in 2021, with Mills saying she expected the competition to again be tough.
“The WBBL has always attracted the best players in the world, whether it’s international or domestic talent. This year’s no different,” she said.
“It’s pretty even across the board, there’s not a team that’s super stacked. Hopefully that makes for a great competition.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out there on Friday night with the girls.”
The WBBL kicks off tomorrow night with the Sydney Sixers taking on the Melbourne Stars, before the Scorchers open their campaign against the Hobart Hurricanes at 4:10pm WA time on Friday in Launceston.
IMAGE: FILE