WBBL 2021-22: Sophie Ecclestone signs with Sydney Sixers; Alice Capsey to play for Melbourne Stars

Sydney Sixers Women have made the first major addition to their roster for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League in the form of England's premier left-arm off-spinner Sophie Ecclestone, whereas her compatriot Alice Capsey has been signed by Melbourne Stars Women.

WBBL 2022 will be Ecclestone's inaugural stint in the competition. Her inclusion is going to be a massive boost for the Sixers as the 23-year-old is currently occupying the zenith in both the white-ball formats (ODIs and T20Is). Ecclestone will be under the guidance of former England skipper Charlotte Edwards, who is all set to coach Sixers for the first time in the forthcoming season.

On the other hand, Capsey has been making plenty of headlines lately by virtue of her tremendous batting potential and is being deemed as England's star batting prodigy. Capsey represented Oval Invincibles Women in the recently culminated second edition of The Hundred and notched up 118 runs in six games for the team at an impressive strike rate of 142.16. She can provide Stars with a lot of stability in their middle-order.

After India batter Jemimah Rodrigues, the 18-year-old Capsey is Stars' second overseas signing this season. Capsey made her England debut against South Africa prior to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. She also featured in their Commonwealth Games squad.

Two-time champions Sixers had a forgettable outing last season as they could only manage four wins from their 14 games and one game didn't yield a result. Hence, the coming together of Ecclestone and Edwards might turn the fortunes in their favour again. 

Ecclestone expressed her ecstasy at the development and mentioned that she is eager to do well as reported by Sydney Sixers Women. "It's been a long time coming. I've been meaning to go for a few years now. I'm so excited that, this year, it's worked out well and I can get over there. I've seen a lot of it. A few of the England girls have been over in the past and they've loved the competition."

Ecclestone was previously offered a contract by Perth Scorchers in 2020 but she had turned it down due to some stringent biosecurity bubble protocols. Ecclestone, who is the team's first overseas signing will be seen rubbing shoulders with the Ausssie trio of allrounder Ellyse Perry, wicket-keeper batter Alyssa Healy and allrounder Ashleigh Gardner. Edwards, who has taken over the reins from Ben Sawyer (Head Coach New Zealand) can pick two more overseas players before Sixers' tournament opener on October 13.