In a decisive move that signals both ambition and belief, Perth Scorchers have locked in one of the Women’s Big Bash League‘s (WBBL’s) most promising young quicks, with Ebony Hoskin penning a two-year contract extension to remain in orange until at least the end of WBBL 12. The announcement comes on the heels of Hoskin’s eye-catching maiden campaign, where her blend of skill, composure, and competitive spirit quickly endeared her to teammates and fans alike.
Having joined the Scorchers ahead of WBBL 10, last season, Hoskin wasted no time making her mark. The 22-year-old right-arm swing bowler featured in every match of the season, showcasing her versatility by delivering at all stages of the innings. Her ability to adapt to different match situations was exemplified in a high-stakes clash at the WACA Ground, where she defended eight runs in a tense final over against the eventual champions, Melbourne Renegades, sealing a dramatic two-run victory and underlining her nerves of steel.
“My first season with the Scorchers was an incredible experience, and I’m really excited to be back in the orange and hopefully help bring a couple of trophies home,” Hoskin reflected. “I learned a lot last season and I’m really proud that the team have backed me to perform on the big stage. I’m looking forward to making Perth my home, getting stuck in at the WACA Ground and immersing myself into the WA Cricket setup.”
Hoskin’s cricketing journey began in New South Wales, where she made her WBBL debut for the Sydney Thunder on October 26, 2023. While her stint at the Thunder was brief, claiming two wickets in three innings at an average of 26, her potential was evident. The move to Perth ahead of the 2024-25 season marked a turning point, both in opportunity and responsibility.
In her debut season with the Scorchers, Hoskin collected seven wickets in 10 innings, maintaining an economy of 7.43-impressive figures for a young bowler adapting to new conditions and expectations.
The Western Australia (WA) Cricket General Manager, Kade Harvey heaped praise on the youngster, “We were impressed by Ebony during her first season with us last year. The composure and maturity she showed bowling the 20th over against the Renegades says a fair bit about her character. She’s a competitor who isn’t afraid of new challenges or big moments. Ebony is now part of the WA program as well as the Scorchers, so we look forward to working closely with her in the coming years.”
Hoskin’s extension comes at a pivotal time for the Scorchers, who are intent on building a squad capable of sustained success. She joins a formidable roster for WBBL 11 and WBBL 12, including the likes of Sophie Devine, Amy Edgar, Mikayla Hinkley, Alana King, Beth Mooney, and Chloe Ainsworth. The continuity and depth provided by this group bodes well for the Scorchers’ trophy aspirations, with Hoskin’s youthful energy and adaptability adding a crucial dimension to their attack.
Hoskin’s rapid rise is emblematic of the next generation of Australian women’s cricket talent. Her journey, from a promising Thunder rookie to a key Scorchers asset, mirrors the broader growth and increasing competitiveness of the WBBL. Her ability to handle pressure, coupled with a hunger to learn and improve, marks her as a player to watch in the seasons ahead.
Securing Hoskin for two more years is a statement of intent from the Scorchers. Her development trajectory suggests she is only scratching the surface of her potential. With the support of the WA Cricket setup and the experience of playing alongside established internationals, Hoskin is well-placed to evolve into a match-winner and, potentially, a future Australian representative.
For the Scorchers, her retention is about more than just numbers-it’s about investing in character, resilience, and the promise of future success. As the WBBL continues to raise the bar for women’s cricket, players like Hoskin are central to both the leagues and the club’s ambitions.
As Ebony Hoskin prepares for her second season in orange, the excitement is palpable, not just for what she’s already achieved, but for what lies ahead. With her contract secured and her sights set on silverware, Hoskin’s journey is one that will be watched with keen interest by fans, pundits, and selectors alike.
(Quotes sourced from Perth Scorchers Press Release)
