Athapaththu Replaces Injured Wyatt-Hodge at Hurricanes

Hobart, October 26

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu has been named in the Hobart Hurricanes squad for the Women's Big Bash League 12. She takes the place of England's Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, who is out of the tournament because of an injury.

Wyatt-Hodge was central to the Hurricanes' success in WBBL 11, when the franchise won its first title. She finished as the team's leading run-scorer with 432 runs at an average of 48.00 and was honoured as the WBBL Player of the Year. Her 90 off 52 balls in the opening match was among the highlights of the season, and four half-centuries helped the side stay consistent.

Athapaththu, currently sixth in the ICC Women's T20 batting rankings, has turned out for Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder during the last seven WBBL seasons. She is 36 years old and has a strong record in the competition. In WBBL 9 with Sydney Thunder, she amassed 552 runs at 42.46, including five fifties, and was crowned Player of the Tournament. She also took nine wickets that season, showing she can change the course of a game with bat and ball.

Sallie Beams, the Hurricanes' Head of High Performance, expressed regret over Wyatt-Hodge's absence. "Danielle is someone we are truly sorry to lose. She was a key figure in our first title win last year, and we wish her a full recovery. Chamari is a brilliant and experienced player for the Hurricanes. She ranks among the most feared batters in world cricket, has always performed well in the WBBL, and her leadership experience as Sri Lanka's captain will be a real asset."

The Hurricanes have also offered a contract for the upcoming season to emerging wicketkeeper-batter Kate Pele. She was rewarded for her impressive showings in the Spring Challenge. The two signings arrive just before the reigning champions open their season against the Melbourne Stars on Thursday.

Beams said Pele fully deserved the reward. "In the WBBL, a player who can offer flexibility with the bat and reliability behind the stumps is extremely valuable. Kate has worked very hard for this moment, and we are glad to give her a Hurricanes contract in recognition of her excellent performances."