Cricketer Smriti Mandhana is second player to sign deal with overseas franchise

After Harmanpreet Kaur, Indian women’s cricket team batswoman Smriti Mandhana has become the second player who has signed on for the overseas Twenty20 franchise, the Big Bash League ( BBL).  Reportedly the cricketer has signed a one-year contract with Brisbane Heat for the second edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, as per an announcement by the Franchise on Tuesday. Smriti Mandhana will play for defending champions Sydney Thunder.

“I am looking forward very much to working with the Australian girls in the Heat squad after playing against them last season,” Mandhana told Cricket Australia, reported by Hindustan Times, “That was a good series, and I noticed there was a definite difference between their preparation and our preparation so I am keen to learn from the differences,”

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This confirmation came in soon after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave a no-objection certificate. Mandhana will soon join Deandra Dottin, the West Indies vice-captain, as Heat’s second international recruit for the season.

“Things like fitness and how they train for a series like the WBBL and the way they work on their fielding are areas I am interested in. It will be exciting to live in a different city and meet new people as well as travel around Australia again,” an elated Mandhana said.

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According to Heat coach Andy Richards, several Australia women players had suggested Mandhana’s name after watching her in the ODI in Hobart earlier this year where Mandhana hit her maiden international century. Impressed by her scores of 55, 55 and 46 in her next three ODIs, Mandhana then became the obvious pick for the Franchise.

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Mandhana had shot to fame during India’s historic Test win over England in Wormsley in 2014 when she struca a half-century. She has also proved her talent in India’s maiden T20 series triumph against Australia earlier this year, with scores of 29 and 22 not out.

Feature Image Credit: deccanchronicle.com

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