The Adelaide Strikers have pulled off a key move ahead of the WBBL|11 season, securing the signature of South African captain Laura Wolvaardt for two more years. A mainstay in the Strikers’ setup and a proven match-winner, Wolvaardt’s new deal will see her don the Strikers’ blue until the end of WBBL|12 as the club’s pre-draft overseas player.
Wolvaardt’s time at the Strikers has been nothing short of transformative. Since joining the franchise in WBBL|06 after a brief stint with Brisbane Heat in WBBL|03 and WBBL|04, she has blossomed into one of the most dependable top-order batters in the league. In 71 matches for the Strikers, she has scored 1726 runs at an average of 27.83 and a strike rate of 110.92 — figures that underline her consistent impact across seasons.
Wolvaardt was a driving force behind Adelaide’s back-to-back title triumphs in WBBL|08 and WBBL|09, amassing 403 and 402 runs respectively in those seasons. Her ability to perform under pressure and anchor innings proved crucial in high-stakes games. Even during the less successful WBBL 10 campaign, which saw the Strikers finish seventh with just three wins, Wolvaardt remained a reliable performer. She registered 193 runs across nine matches, averaging 24.12.
Reflecting on her decision to extend her stay, Wolvaardt expressed deep emotional ties with the franchise, “I’m absolutely delighted to be extending my time with the Adelaide Strikers for another two seasons. The Club has become a second home to me, and I’ve made so many incredible memories here, especially our back-to-back championship wins.”
While WBBL|10 didn’t unfold the way the Strikers had hoped, Wolvaardt is already focused on reigniting the spark in the coming season, “While last season didn’t go as we hoped, I’m incredibly excited about the future and determined to help bring more success to the Strikers and our amazing fans. I can’t wait to get back to Adelaide with the team.”
From her early days as a teenage prodigy to becoming the captain of South Africa and a global T20 force, Wolvaardt’s journey is a story of persistence and evolution. Her initial spell with Brisbane Heat was underwhelming — 99 runs from 20 matches — but her transition to the Strikers marked a turning point. Since then, she has notched eight half-centuries and grown into one of the most respected figures within the team.
Strikers head coach Luke Williams, under whom Wolvaardt has thrived, emphasized the importance of having her back on board. “Laura is a world-class player and a vital part of the Strikers family, so we are ecstatic to have her sign on for two more years,” Williams remarked with satisfaction.
“Her skill with the bat, combined with her leadership and experience, is invaluable. She has consistently performed under pressure and played a huge role in our previous championship successes. We know she will be a key pillar for us as we build towards a strong WBBL|11 season and beyond.”
With the WBBL|11 overseas draft scheduled for June 19, the Strikers are well-positioned to build around their star signing. They hold the second pick in the draft and are expected to make strategic moves to strengthen their roster, which still has several vacancies.
While players like Katie Mack, Bridget Patterson, and Jemma Barsby remain out of contract, the confirmed list already features heavyweights such as Tahlia McGrath (captain), Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Darcie Brown, Anesu Mushangwe, Maddie Penna, and now Wolvaardt.
As the team looks to bounce back from the setbacks of WBBL|10, Wolvaardt’s extended stay offers the Strikers a solid foundation and a trusted figure to lead their resurgence. The journey from WBBL|06 to WBBL|12 has seen Wolvaardt evolve into not just a premier T20 batter, but a leader, and a true Striker — in every sense of the word.
(Quotes sourced from cricket.com.au)
