WBBL All-Time XI: The Greatest Players in Women’s Big Bash League History
As the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) celebrates its tenth season, we have selected an all-time XI, featuring the best players who have graced the tournament. This balanced lineup covers both batting firepower and bowling prowess, with some tough calls and notable omissions.
1. Beth Mooney
- Runs: 4665
- Average: 47.12
- Strike-rate: 124.63
- Hundreds: 3
- Fifties: 41
The leading run-scorer in WBBL history, Mooney’s consistency is unmatched. She has averaged over 42 in all but two seasons and had a standout campaign in 2019-20 with 743 runs at 74.30. Her reliability and prolific scoring make her an automatic choice.
2. Alyssa Healy
- Runs: 2986
- Average: 27.64
- Strike-rate: 134.80
- Hundreds: 5
- Fifties: 15
Healy, known for her aggressive style, pairs with Mooney at the top. She has the most centuries in WBBL history, and while her batting can be high-risk, her explosive innings can change games.
3. Grace Harris
- Runs: 2577
- Average: 24.31
- Strike-rate: 130.21
- Hundreds: 3
- Fifties: 12
- Wickets: 66
- Bowling Average: 23.07
- Economy: 6.90
Harris is a match-winner with both bat and ball. Known for her memorable centuries and game-changing performances, her contributions in clutch moments secure her place.
4. Sophie Devine
- Runs: 3747
- Average: 37.09
- Strike-rate: 128.23
- Hundreds: 4
- Wickets: 98
- Bowling Average: 23.52
- Economy: 7.38
Devine’s all-round abilities make her one of the most feared players in the competition. She has had several dominant seasons, including a standout 2019 when she averaged 76.90 and took 19 wickets.
5. Ashleigh Gardner
- Runs: 2504
- Average: 22.76
- Strike-rate: 122.32
- Wickets: 86
- Bowling Average: 24.68
Gardner brings explosive batting and effective offspin to the middle order. Her player of the tournament performance in 2022, where she averaged 28.25 with a strike rate of 150.66 and took 23 wickets, showcases her all-round impact.
6. Marizanne Kapp
- Runs: 1258
- Bowling Average: 20.26
- Economy: 5.59
Kapp is selected for her standout bowling, consistently delivering for her teams. With the best economy rate for bowlers with over 200 overs, she also adds stability to the lower batting order.
7. Jess Jonassen
- Runs: 2033
- Bowling Average: 19.27
- Wickets: 162
The leading wicket-taker in WBBL history, Jonassen has contributed both with the bat and ball, maintaining her consistency across seasons. Her ability to perform under pressure adds depth to the lineup.
8. Sammy-Jo Johnson
- Wickets: 106
- Bowling Average: 23.16
Johnson’s pace and power have been crucial in big matches, including her performances in title-winning campaigns for Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder. Her ability to deliver in key moments makes her a valuable addition.
9. Amanda-Jade Wellington
- Wickets: 149
- Bowling Average: 18.93
Wellington, a legspinner, has produced some of the best figures in the league, including two five-wicket hauls. Her variations and wicket-taking ability make her an automatic pick.
10. Molly Strano
- Wickets: 150
- Bowling Average: 19.30
Strano was the first to reach 100 wickets in the WBBL, and her consistency as a bowler is unmatched. She has regularly been among the leading wicket-takers each season.
11. Megan Schutt
- Wickets: 136
- Bowling Average: 20.31
Schutt rounds out the XI as the most successful pace bowler in WBBL history. Her control and ability to swing the ball make her a potent weapon, particularly in the powerplay and death overs.
The WBBL All-Time XI showcases a mix of top-order dominance, explosive all-rounders, and reliable bowlers who have all played pivotal roles in the competition’s history. As the league enters its tenth season, these players stand out for their performances and contributions to women’s cricket.