South Australia captain Lauren Ebsary retires
Jun 28, 2016 at 12:32 PM
South Australia will start their National Women’s Cricket League title defence without the service of captain Lauren Ebsary, as the former Australian batsman announced her retirement from state cricket on Tuesday.
It puts an end to a colourful 16-year state career which reached the highest point in Breezair SA Scorpions’ historic upset win over New South Wales in last year’s WNCL final.
Ebsary, who played for Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars in all three formats between 2009 and 2012, had been Scorpions skipper since 2012.
In more than 100 matches for South Australia and Western Australia, the 33-year-old notched 2426 runs and claimed 56 wickets.
The Scorpions haven’t yet revealed their full squad for the upcoming summer, but Ebsary’s retirement will be a major blow for the reigning champions, who may also have to go into their title defence without experienced England star Sarah Taylor for the 2016 WNCL season, as the wicketkeeper-batsman currently enjoying an extended break from cricket to battle with anxiety.
“I’ve had some amazing opportunities through cricket, made great friends, travelled and will have a lifetime of memories,” Ebsary said.
“I’m very grateful to the SACA, WACA and Cricket Australia for their support throughout my career.”
Scorpions coach Andrea McCauley said Ebsary’s absence would be felt.
“Over the last three years I have really enjoyed working with Lauren as captain and coach,” McCauley said.
“While it is disappointing that Lauren will no longer be a part of the Scorpions setup, she should be incredibly proud of her achievements, especially the way she led the girls to their first WNCL title last season.”
It’s still not confirmed if Ebsary will continue with the Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League, where she played alongside retired champion Shelley Nitschke last summer.
Meanwhile, Queensland Fire have called up one new player and five rookies for the 2016 WNCL season.
Australia Under-18 batter Tess Cooper has earned her first full contract following a successful stint in the Queensland Academy of Sport in 2015-16, while allrounder Abigail Godfrey, wicketkeeper Josie Dooley, Darling Downs duo Maggie Murphy and Ella Whish and former ACT Meteors pace bowler Nina Westenraad have been given rookie contracts.
They join a star-studded Konica Minolta Fire squad that features Southern Stars Jess Jonassen, Holly Ferling, Beth Mooney and Grace Harris.