PHOEBE LITCHFIELD
Though aged only 16, Litchfield was the biggest impact star among the teens in the WBBL. Making it also into a junior Australia hockey side, Litchfield scored a half-century in her second WBBL game to lead Sydney Thunder to a victory over the defending-champion Brisbane Heat.
ANNABEL SUTHERLAND
The daughter of erstwhile Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland was the best all-rounder in the WBBL. Sutherland also scored a century when Australia under-19 side toured New Zealand in March. She also had an impressive bowling spell of 4-20 in her first game for the Stars couple of seasons ago.
HAYLEY SILVER-HOLMES
Silver-Holmes, who made her debut in the last season the Sydney Sixers last summer at the age of 15, took 3-43 in an under-19s 50-over match against New Zealand a few months later. With the ability to deliver the ball from a great height, she became a more vital player for the Sixers this season.
HANNAH DARLINGTON
Eighteen-year-old Darlington’s high point came on Saturday night when she had figures of 2-18 against Melbourne Stars. She also took the crucial catch of match for Sydney Thunder in the last ball. The all-rounder has been cooling her heels at the Thunder’s academy for quite a few years before she got her chance this season.
MADELINE PENNA
Hailing from New South Wales, this 19-year-old talent shifted to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to play in the 50-over competition and represented the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL. Penna played a vital role in her maiden game for the Stars on Saturday, scalping four wickets for 20 runs with her leg-spinners against the Thunder.
MADDY DARKE
Darke, a wicketkeeper-batman, made her debut for the Sydney Sixers this summer. She is expected to step into Alyssa Healy’s shoes. Darke, who was also a part of the Australia A squad that toured England in the winter, is said to be an ideal fit for the 50-over game.
