Unexpected Picks in WBBL Ultimate Team

In celebration of the tenth season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), we've crafted an all-time XI lineup, aiming for a balanced team structure while keeping players as close as possible to their typical roles. Selecting this squad wasn’t easy, especially with intense competition in the top-order and among spin bowlers, leading to some notable exclusions. Here’s a look at each pick in our all-star lineup.

Beth Mooney: The Run Machine  

With a remarkable 4665 runs at an average of 47.12 and a strike rate of 124.63, Beth Mooney stands as the WBBL’s all-time leading scorer heading into season ten. Known for her unmatched consistency, Mooney has only twice dipped below an average of 42 in a season, and one of those instances was during the inaugural season in 2015-16. Her best season came in 2019-20, where she racked up 743 runs at an average of 74.30, a performance she followed with four consecutive 500+ run seasons after joining the Perth Scorchers.

Alyssa Healy: The Power Opener  

Healy joins Mooney in the opening position, a familiar partnership from their international careers. While her aggressive style comes with some risk, her impact when she’s in form is undeniable. With 2986 runs at a strike rate of 134.80 and holding the record for the most WBBL centuries (five), Healy is a force to be reckoned with. Known for memorable performances like her tournament-record stand of 199 with Ellyse Perry, Healy has showcased eye-catching strike rates, such as 155.69 and 161.44 in 2019 and 2020. Although the last two seasons were interrupted by injury, including a dog bite incident, she still managed an impressive 107 off 64 balls against the Perth Scorchers.

Grace Harris: Iconic and Explosive  

Grace Harris, a fan favourite, has scored 2577 runs with three memorable centuries and taken 66 wickets with an economy of 6.90. Each of her centuries is legendary, with one being the fastest in WBBL history off 42 balls. Last season, she hit a stunning 136 off 59 balls, despite breaking her bat mid-game. Harris's high-risk, high-reward style makes her a game-changer, capable of turning matches single-handedly.

Sophie Devine: The Dominant All-Rounder  

Devine is a powerhouse all-rounder with 3747 runs and 98 wickets, boasting a batting average of 37.09 and a strike rate of 128.23. She has played for both the Adelaide Strikers and Perth Scorchers, and holds the unique record of scoring a half-century and taking a five-wicket haul in the same game. Her 2019 season was phenomenal, averaging 76.90 with the bat and claiming 19 wickets, solidifying her as one of the WBBL's finest players.

Ashleigh Gardner: Middle-Order Impact and Spin  

While Gardner has sometimes underwhelmed with the bat, her strike rate remains among the top for those with over 1000 runs. Known for her explosive 114 off 52 balls in 2017, Gardner’s spin bowling has recently come into its own, making her a dual threat. She earned Player of the Tournament in 2022 with an average of 28.25 and a batting strike rate of 150.66, complemented by 23 wickets.

Marizanne Kapp: Dependable with Bat and Ball  

Kapp, with 124 wickets at an economy rate of 5.59 and 1258 runs, earns her spot largely for her precision bowling. Among the most economical bowlers in WBBL history, Kapp’s best seasons were 2019 and 2020 with the Sydney Sixers, where she was a consistent performer. After moving to the Perth Scorchers, she shone in the 2021 final, sealing her place in this all-time XI.

Jess Jonassen: WBBL’s Leading Wicket-Taker  

Jonassen is the WBBL’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 162 dismissals, and her dual skill set has made her a key player for Brisbane Heat. She peaked with an outstanding season where she scored 419 runs and took 21 wickets, helping her team to back-to-back titles in 2019. Her consistent performances have made her a mainstay in this squad.

Sammy-Jo Johnson: Pivotal in Finals  

Johnson’s 106 wickets at an average of 23.16 underline her value, but her key contributions have often come in high-stakes finals. Her all-round display in 2018-19 included 260 runs and 20 wickets, making her the first player to achieve a 250-run/20-wicket double. A move to Sydney Thunder saw her lead them to victory in 2020, proving her versatility and impact in clutch moments.

Amanda-Jade Wellington: The Leg-Spin Specialist  

A fierce leg-spinner, Wellington has been integral to the Adelaide Strikers with 149 wickets at an economy of 6.60. Known for her powerful leg-breaks, she has been a top performer, even holding the record for best figures with 5 for 8 in the 2021 Eliminator final. Wellington’s consistent wicket-taking ability makes her a prime choice for this XI.

Molly Strano: The Dependable Off-Spinner  

Strano led the WBBL as a pioneering bowler with her early performances for the Melbourne Renegades. She became the first to reach 100 wickets and has taken fewer than 13 wickets in only one season. Her best spell of 5 for 15 in the inaugural season set the tone for her steady career.

Megan Schutt: The Economical Pacemaker  

One of the WBBL’s most skilled fast bowlers, Schutt has taken 136 wickets, excelling especially in recent years. Known for her economical spells, her economy dropped to an impressive 5.06 in 2016-17 and has stayed consistent since. Her record-breaking 6 for 19 stands as the best bowling figures in the competition, cementing her place in this elite XI.