WBBL: Perth Scorchers coach Becky Grundy reveals what the club will chase in international player draft

Perth Scorchers are in the market for all-rounders at Thursday’s international player draft, according to coach Becky Grundy. The Scorchers have pick eight, 16, 17 and 32 in a tough draft hand. They are expected to use their first pick — in the platinum round — to add star all-rounder Sophie Devine to their list for the second year of her pre-signing contract. They signed experienced WBBL batter Katie Mack — who Grundy confirmed is set to open the batting — in a coup this week, which will offer more flexibility to their top and middle order. “I think if we can land all-rounders — that is kind of everyone’s dream — that can give you a little bit of both,” Grundy told The West Australian. “I don’t think it would be a surprise to anyone that we ideally need batters, but in an ideal world, that encompasses all-rounders as well if possible.” The Scorchers have retention rights to English wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones, but have not been strongly linked to the international gun, who has a long association with the club. They could also retain New Zealand World Cup-winner Brooke Halliday later in the draft. It is believed the Scorchers are also interested in English international spinner Sophie Ecclestone. Sydney Sixers — who have retention rights to the 26-year-old left-armer — have already signed New Zealand leg-spinner Amelia Kerr and also have Australian spinner Ash Gardner. “I think a lot of teams are looking for batters. The teams above us have all sorts of got spin locked away,” Grundy said when asked about Ecclestone. “Whether Sixers will retain her or not, I’m not sure. They have obviously got Kerr as well, so it’s always difficult to tell when a new coach comes in. “She’s obviously a world-class player, so I’d be surprised if she goes unsold, but as to who picks her up, I’m not sure. Most teams look like they’re shaping up to need batters. “I think at the WACA, we have seen that spin has still been successful there too, and then we have obviously got the games over east.” Grundy said Mack’s signing will mean they can play batting trump card Devine in the middle-order. “It gives us some flexibility with when Soph comes in. We obviously moved Soph down into No.4 last year, and I think Katie is such a strong domestic option for us in terms of consistency and success in that competition,” she said. “It also gives us a bit more flexibility now going into international picks.”