Alice Capsey will play for her third Big Bash club in WBBL|12

Sydney Sixers have added firepower to their top order and helped address the loss of the retired Alyssa Healy, luring England star Alice Capsey away from the Melbourne Renegades for Weber WBBL|12.

Capsey, who spent the past two seasons with the Renegades, will join national teammate Sophia Dunkley, Ellyse Perry and Amelia Kerr in the Sixers’ line-up, further strengthening a top-order that is already the envy of the competition.

The 22-year-old will also offer another option with the ball, having taken 26 wickets in 18 matches for the Renegades with her off-spin.

The most recent string added to her bow has made her a true triple threat, with Capsey taking the wicketkeeping gloves for England’s recent ODI series against Ireland in place of a managed Amy Jones.

Having had not kept since underage cricket, Capsey revived the skill earlier this year and was England’s designated back-up ‘keeper for the T20 World Cup.

She took one catch and two stumpings across the three matches against Ireland, impressing coach Charlotte Edwards who declared Capsey had put herself in the frame to become England’s No.1 wicketkeeper in the shortest format.

The Sixers currently do not have an established ‘keeper in their WBBL|12 squad, following Healy’s retirement, while Emma Manix-Geeves has not yet re-signed after coming off contract at the end of last season.

Capsey spins Scorchers out with five wickets

Speaking to cricket.com.au, Sixers coach Peter Clarke said Capsey’s versatility would provide flexibility for the club in how they balanced their XI across the season.

“It’s nice to have that option up your sleeve if you need it,” Clarke said when asked if Capsey could take the gloves in WBBL|12.

“Whether we have an injury to whoever’s our primary keeper … or you decide to do different things with your list – the more versatile any player is, the more options you have as a coaching staff to maybe try different combinations.

“So her having that string to her bow is a plus, and she can also bowl, she’s also a good fielder, and she’s obviously a bat.

“I think at her best she could be a great player.

“We’re looking forward to working with her at the Sixers, and hopefully we can provide her with an environment to help her to perform at her best consistently and contribute to the success of the club.”

The Sixers have now confirmed their three overseas players for the upcoming season – meaning no return for Mady Villiers – with five roster spots left to fill.

Capsey, who played two seasons for the Melbourne Stars before moving to their cross-town rivals, said she was excited by a move north to her third Big Bash club.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Sydney Sixers this season,” Capsey said.

“The WBBL is one of the best competitions in the world and the chance to represent a club with such a strong reputation and history is really special.

“I’ve loved my previous experiences playing in Australia and I’m looking forward to returning and being part of the Sixers environment.”

Capsey’s departure means the Renegades could sign at least one new overseas player this season. The club has already locked in West Indian captain Hayley Matthews, while Deandra Dottin also played for the Renegades in WBBL|11 alongside international replacement players Issy Wong and Davina Perrin.

Coach: Peter Clarke

 

Contracted for WBBL|12: Caoimhe Bray, Maitlan Brown, Alice Capsey (England), Lauren Cheatle, Sophia Dunkley (England), Ashleigh Gardner, Elsa Hunter, Amelia Kerr (New Zealand), Ellyse Perry, Courtney Sippel

 

In: Alice Capsey (Renegades)

 

Out: Alyssa Healy (retired), Mady Villers (England)

 

Uncontracted: Erin Burns, Mathilda Carmichael, Lauren Kua, Emma Manix-Geeves