Perth Scorchers complete squad with the signing of Kim Garth

Kim Garth, the Ireland allrounder, completes Perth Scorchers’ squad for the fifth season of the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia set to begin on Friday (October 18). This will be Garth’s third stint in the tournament, having previously represented Sydney Sixers in the second and third seasons— both of which her team won.



With 51 T20Is to her credit, Garth has plenty of international experience under her belt. She has taken 42 wickets and scored over 700 T20I runs since her debut for Ireland in 2010. The allrounder is not only one of the leading players in her team, but has also shown great potential to develop into one of the world’s leading allrounders.



Following her signing, the 23-year-old said she is excited to play in Australia once again.



“It came to me as a bit of a shock, I was playing in a World Cup qualifier at the time and when I heard the Scorchers wanted to sign me I was over the moon,” Garth said. “The WBBL is the best female domestic competition in the world, and for the opportunity to play in this tournament alongside the likes of Meg Lanning and Nat Sciver is really exciting.



“I’ve visited Perth a couple of times, it’s a brilliant place and I can’t wait to get started.”



Garth is the fifteenth signing for the Scorchers and joins Natalie Sciver and Amy Jones as their final overseas player.



“It’s great to see Kim back playing in the Big Bash competition, she comes into our squad with valuable WBBL experience and had a great impact with the ball,” Lisa Keightley, head coach of Scorchers, said. 



“I’m really excited with the squad we have put together, we have great flexibility across the board which will be the key to our campaign.”



“Having three left handers in our batting line up means we’re not as restricted to one side of the ground against the spinners, and that’s a position we haven’t been in before which is exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in action this season, we have the bowling unit that can be successful and I’m excited to see what our fielders can produce,” she added.



“We’re all itching to get going with the standalone competition, the momentum of the WBBL has been building nicely and people know how exciting the product is.



“The opportunity we have to help take the game to the next level is in front of us and we’re ready for the challenge.”



Scorchers, who will be led by Meg Lanning, play their first match of the season against Melbourne Renegades in St Kilda on October 23.



Squad: Meg Lanning (c), Jemma Barsby, Samantha Betts, Nicole Bolton, Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Kath Hempenstall, Amy Jones, Emma King, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Piparo, Georgia Redmayne, Natalie Sciver.