Sydney Thunder have signed 19-year-old England pacer Issie Wong while Melbourne Stars have roped in left-arm orthodox spinner Lynsey Smith for the upcoming WBBL.

Wong joined the Thunder team very late after Shabnim Ismail was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. The 19-year-old, who has been a part of England’s training squad. She was preparing to go on vacation in Italy when she got a call from Thunder coach Trevor Griffin.

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“It was a no-brainer,” Wong said. “When you get an opportunity like that, you can’t say ‘no’ to it.

“It’s really a great opportunity for me. I’m still very young, and to have a performance like this, and in a respected league like the WBBL, is very exciting.

“I am grateful to Sydney Thunder for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”

26-year-old Smith has played 9 T20Is for England

Meanwhile, the Stars have roped in experienced Smith to bolster their attack. The 26-year-old Lynsey Smith has played 9 T20Is for England. and has taken 9 wickets in just 7 matches at Northern Superchargers in the women’s hundred at a very impressive economy rate of 5.54.

Stars coach Jarad Luffman expressed happiness over the inclusion of a senior bowler in his youth team.

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Luffman says Lynsey Smith will add another level of versatility to our squad

Luffman said, “Linsey Smith will add another level of versatility to our squad this season with her left-arm spin and middle-order batting. Her experience at the international level will be beneficial to our team, whatever age and experience.” I’m diverse.” .

“That was a terrible English summer, highlighted by a strong tournament at The Hundred.”

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The Stars have also signed 20-year-old wicketkeeper Maddie Darke. She has previously played for the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL, but the opportunity was lacking behind Alyssa Healy. Darke toured England with Australia A in 2019 and is currently part of Western Australia’s WNCL squad, which moved from New South Wales in 2021.