Sophie Ecclestone has re-signed with the Adelaide Strikers for WBBL|12, confirming her return to the South Australian franchise for a second consecutive season. The 27-year-old England spinner was one of three prominent international signings the Strikers made ahead of WBBL|11, joining South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and England batter Tammy Beaumont at the club.
Ecclestone’s move to Adelaide came after the Sydney Sixers used the number one pick in the WBBL|11 overseas draft to select Sophia Dunkley, which made Ecclestone available at pick number two. She had previously represented the Sixers across two WBBL seasons, in 2022 and 2024.
Adelaide finished WBBL|11 in sixth place, recording three wins and four losses from 10 completed matches. Three further matches produced no result, including one that was abandoned after a ball was rolled into the pitch during a change of innings. The Strikers also lost twice by a single run, to the Perth Scorchers and the Sixers, margins that ultimately separated them from a finals berth. The club’s most recent finals campaign was WBBL|09, when they lifted the title.
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How did Ecclestone perform during her first season with the Strikers?
Ecclestone claimed six wickets for Adelaide in WBBL|11 at an average of 39.50, a return that fell short of her previous WBBL campaign with the Sixers, where she took 11 wickets at an average of 18.90. Her WBBL|11 season concluded in dramatic fashion when she was run out off the last delivery of the Strikers’ final match against the Sixers, unable to reach the striker’s end in time for what would have been the tying run and a Super Over.
Her form in The Hundred provided a more encouraging indicator ahead of WBBL|12. Ecclestone took eight wickets for Manchester Super Giants at an economy rate of 5.65, underlining her continued effectiveness in franchise T20 cricket.
“We have an incredibly talented squad, with a great mix of experienced match-winners and exciting young talent. I can’t wait to get back around the group and continue building on what we achieved last season. We’re determined to take the next step and put ourselves in a strong position to push for finals,” said Ecclestone as quoted cricket.com.au.
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What does the Strikers’ roster look like heading into WBBL|12?
Wolvaardt, who committed to a two-year deal with Adelaide at the close of WBBL|10, is contracted to return for WBBL|12 and opened the batting alongside Ecclestone last season. Beaumont featured prominently in WBBL|11 but is yet to confirm her availability for the upcoming edition.
On the men’s side of the Adelaide franchise, Ben Stokes has committed to a full season following his retirement from international cricket in June, adding further profile to the Strikers’ setup across both competitions.
The Strikers enter WBBL|12 with a settled core of international talent and a clear objective of returning to the finals for the first time since their title-winning campaign in WBBL|09.
