The Perth Scorchers line up received a significant boost after a deal got finalized that Australian skipper Meg Lanning will become a part of the side. The decision is somewhat sensational as Lanning, the top run scorer in the both the previous editions of the Women’s Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars, decided to part ways with the club.

Her association with Perth Scorchers, however, will begin from WBBL 04 and WBBL 05. Her absence from the upcoming season is due to the shoulder surgery which she picked during the Women’s World Cup 2017 in England a couple of months ago.

Not only WBBL, but she will also be this year’s Ashes as well. She is expected to be out of action for a period of six to eight months.

Her inclusion now adds more star power to the Scorchers which already has an envious line up featuring Australian stars Elyse Villani and Nicole Bolton, England opening bowlers Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole and New Zealand captain Suzie Bates.

“The Perth Scorchers are a great Club with a strong core of experienced and up-and-coming players, so it’s a really exciting opportunity for me to join the group,” Lanning said. “They made the semi final in WBBL|01, then the Scorchers’ hosted the final last season, so they’re definitely a team on the rise, with a bright future ahead.”

Earlier in the week, Stars had announced Lanning’s decision not to renew her existing contract.

“Whilst Meg’s decision to the leave the club is very disappointing, we remain absolutely confident that the team we’ve formed is united and committed to the club’s long term future success,” Stars chief executive Clint Cooper had said. “We thank Meg for her contribution to the club over the past two seasons and wish her and her family well for the future.”