Alex Price, Tegan McPharlin, Annie O’Neil sign with Adelaide Strikers

Alex Price, Tegan McPharlin and Annie O’Neil are the latest three signings of Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming season of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), starting October 18. Price and McPharlin have been with the team since the tournament's inception, while O’Neil returns after a year.



O'Neil, who has signed a one-year deal, earned her opportunity after spending a year as a batter in State and Premier Cricket. The right-hander was part of an internal trial match ahead of fourth edition of WBBL.



 

These 3⃣ Strikers are returning for #WBBL05, including @annie_oneil5 after a one-year hiatus! 🙌 #BlueEnergy

More ➡️ https://t.co/o5gwtLPJsB pic.twitter.com/nOgSV71yKX



— AdelaideStrikersWBBL (@StrikersWBBL) October 2, 2019

 



“We are really pleased to have Annie back in the squad after being a part of the Strikers a couple of years ago,” Luke Williams, Strikers' head coach, said. “She is a hard-hitting, aggressive middle-order player and really good fielder so we are certainly looking forward to adding Annie to our batting group for the season ahead.”



McPharlin, wicket-keeper and former captain, has played 46 games for Strikers and claimed 36 dismissals behind the stumps. She had a standout fourth season with the bat, boasting of a strike-rate of 112.23 and a high score of 41 not out.



“Tegan had one of the best seasons last year in WBBL and was solid as always behind the stumps, taking every opportunity,” Williams, who is in his first season as head coach, said. “She played some really important innings through the middle and later order so it is fantastic to have her back again. Being a former captain of the team, it will be great to have her leadership back in the group.”



Price, an off-spinner, has been an integral part of the Strikers both on and off the field. Aside from her prowess with the ball, she also possesses the ability to make quick contributions with the bat in the lower order.



 

Takin' wickets, sloggin' boundaries, smashin' stumps... and singing? 💁‍♀️

Our 3⃣ newly-signed Strikers can do it all! #BlueEnergy #WBBL05 pic.twitter.com/zKo0ZgkgN3



— AdelaideStrikersWBBL (@StrikersWBBL) October 3, 2019

 



“Alex certainly contributes a lot with her bubbly personality – through the stress of the Big Bash period, it is great to have her in the group. She is an experienced player at this level and her contributions bowling through the middle overs will be important for us once again,” Williams concluded.



Strikers begin their campaign at Karen Rolton Oval on October 19 and 20. The team has one remaining contract spot to fill.



Squad: Tegan McPharlin, Alex Price, Annie O’Neil, Sarah Coyte, Katie Mack, Sophie Devine (New Zealand), Suzie Bates (New Zealand), Bridget Patterson, Ellie Falconer, Megan Schutt, Tahlia McGrath, Stafanie Taylor (West Indies), Lauren Winfield (England), Amanda-Jade Wellington, Tabatha Saville.