Victoria announce Women’s playing squad for 2021-22

A total of 20 players have been named in the squad including six Australian-contracted players – Meg Lanning, Sophie Molineux, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck and Georgia Wareham.

Elyse Villani and Molly Strano have informed Cricket Victoria they wish to pursue new opportunities in other states and will depart.

Bhavi Devchand, Elly Donald, Zoe Griffiths and Courtney Neale did not receive contacts for the upcoming season.

Joining the squad again is Rhiann O’Donnell after an outstanding Premier Cricket season that saw her win the Una Paisley Medal.

Left-arm spinner Samantha Bates is making the move to Victoria from Tasmania, while Ella Hayward, who made her Victorian debut last season, also joins the squad alongside Tiana Atkinson, Rhys McKenna and Lara Shannon.

“Elyse and Molly have both been fantastic teammates and role models in our squad. While we’re disappointed they won’t be in navy blue next season, we understand and respect their decision,” Cricket Victoria’s General Manager of Cricket Shaun Graf said.

“We’re excited to welcome Samantha Bates who is an accomplished spin bowler alongside some talented young players.

“Having a larger number of Australian contracts has allowed us to give more opportunities to players coming through the Women’s Premier Cricket pathway. We’re looking forward to seeing those players join the program and helping them develop over the year ahead.”

Victorian Women’s contract list 2021-22

In: Samantha Bates, Tiana Atkinson, Ella Hayward, Rhys McKenna, Rhiann O’Donnell, Lara Shannon

Out: Molly Strano, Elyse Villani, Bhavi Devchand, Elly Donald, Zoe Griffiths, Courtney Neale

Squad: Tiana Atkinson (Dandenong), Samantha Bates (TBA), Makinley Blows (EMP), Lucy Cripps (Dandenong), Sophie Day (Plenty Valley), Nicole Faltum (Dandenong), Tess Flintoff (Ringwood), Kim Garth (Dandenong), Ella Hayward (Melbourne), Anna Lanning (Box Hill), Meg Lanning (Box Hill), Rhys McKenna (Prahran), Sophie Molineux (Dandenong), Rhiann O’Donnell (Melbourne), Ellyse Perry (Dandenong), Lara Shannon (Box Hill), Annabel Sutherland (Prahran), Amy Vine (Melbourne), Tayla Vlaeminck (Plenty Valley), Georgia Wareham (EMP).