Australian coach Shelley Nitschke is adamant her gamers can refocus after the thrill and disappointment of an unprecedented evening for girls’s cricket with a World Cup to be gained.
Whereas star all-rounder Ash Gardner netted a monstrous payday within the inaugural Ladies’s Premier League public sale, bought for $558,000 as one in every of 14 Australians picked up, spinner Alana King was amongst those that missed out.
King was the one member of the 15-player squad making an attempt to win a 3rd consecutive T20 World Cup not picked up within the public sale after teen quick bowler Darcie Brown withdrew, with 9 of her teammates choosing up six-figure sums for what looms as a three-week competitors.
The mixed complete these 14 gamers are set to earn exceeds $2.4m, with contracts starting from Gardner on the high right down to Heather Graham and Erin Burns, the one Australian not on the World Cup to be picked up, bought for $52,000.
The public sale was held whereas the Australians had been coaching forward of their second pool recreation towards Bangladesh on Tuesday evening, and whereas some, together with Gardner, watched on their telephones, others selected to keep away from distraction.
Nitschke mentioned the thrill of the public sale couldn’t be ignored, however there was a job to be performed in South Africa.
“The WPL goes to take the sport to a distinct degree, so it’s thrilling for Australian cricket as it’s for cricket everywhere in the world,” she mentioned.
“I believe our ladies are enthusiastic about it, however they’re centered on the job at hand whereas we‘re right here in South Africa as nicely.”
Nitschke lauded Gardner, the reigning Weber WBBL Participant of the Yr, who has was one of many world’s most damaging T20 all-rounders, as proven along with her five-wicket haul in Australia’s opening World Cup win over New Zealand.
“She delivers in three abilities,” Nitschke mentioned.
“She’s been actually necessary for us over the past 12 months to 2 years and even past that.
“However I believe what we‘re discovering of latest occasions is she’s actually coming into her recreation and maturing as a cricketer and she or he performs a key position for us.
“It was unbelievable to see her carry out with the ball and (take) her career-best figures towards New Zealand (on Saturday).
“So, I’m trying ahead to seeing what the match brings for her.”
Nitschke additionally backed star opener Beth Mooney, who was the second highest-priced Aussie within the public sale, bought for $350,000, to hit type after a lean lead-in to the match. She made a duck within the remaining warm-up recreation towards Eire and one other towards the Kiwis.
“Relating to the crunch, Moons all the time delivers for us,” Nitschke mentioned.
“There aren’t any considerations, she is hitting the ball nicely, has good plans and she or he will not be overthinking it.
“I’m actually assured she might be wonderful on this match.”
AUSSIES BOUGHT AT WPL AUCTION
Ashleigh Gardner, $558,000, Gujarat Giants
Beth Mooney $350,000, Gujarat Giants
Ellyse Perry, $297,000, RCB
Tahlia McGrath $245,000, UP Warriorz
Meg Lanning $193,000, Delhi Capitals
Grace Harris $131,000, UP Warriorz
Georgia Wareham $131,000, Gujarat Giants
Alyssa Healy $122,000, UP Warriorz
Annabel Sutherland $122,000 Gujarat Giants
Jess Jonassen $87,000, Delhi Capitals
Laura Harris $78,400, Delhi Capitals
Megan Schutt $70,000, RCB
Erin Burns $52,000, RCB
Heather Graham $52,000, Mumbai Indians
