The Hobart Hurricanes, a formidable force in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), have left an indelible mark on the world of women’s Twenty20 cricket. This article delves into their rich history, from their inception to their remarkable captaincy records.
Formation and Alignment:
As one of the eight founding WBBL teams, the Hobart Hurricanes have a strong connection with their male counterparts. Their journey began on July 10, 2015, with the unveiling of Julie Hunter as the team’s first-ever player signing. Julia Price was entrusted with the role of the inaugural coach, while Heather Knight assumed the captain’s responsibilities.
Inaugural Triumph:
The Hurricanes announced their arrival in style, playing their first match against the Melbourne Renegades on December 11. In an impressive debut, they secured a convincing 35-run victory at Aurora Stadium.
Evolution of Leadership:
Throughout their history, the Hobart Hurricanes have had six captains leading the way, each contributing to the team’s unique legacy.
- Heather Knight (2015–2017): The charismatic Knight led the team in 29 matches, securing a winning percentage of 51.72%.
- Corinne Hall (2017–2020): Hall took the helm for 35 matches, showing unwavering determination despite challenges, with a winning percentage of 20.59%.
- Isobel Joyce (2018): Although her tenure was brief, Joyce contributed with her leadership in five matches, maintaining a winning percentage of 40%.
- Sasha Moloney (2018–2019): Moloney, in her 14 matches as captain, showcased resilience, even in the face of adversity, with a winning percentage of 14.29%.
- Rachel Priest (2021): Priest stepped up to captaincy in 2021, leading the team in 14 matches, with a winning percentage of 38.46%.
- Elyse Villani (2022): The most recent addition to the list of Hurricanes’ captains, Villani has already made her mark, leading the team in 15 matches with a winning percentage of 50%.
| Captain | Span | M | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | W–L% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heather Knight | 2015–2017 | 29 | 15 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 51.72 |
| Corinne Hall | 2017–2020 | 35 | 7 | 27 | 0 | 1 | 20.59 |
| Isobel Joyce | 2018 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 |
| Sasha Moloney | 2018–2019 | 14 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 14.29 |
| Rachel Priest | 2021 | 14 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 38.46 |
| Elyse Villani | 2022 | 15 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 50.00 |
By Opposition
| Opposition | M | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | W–L% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide Strikers | 15 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 21.43 |
| Brisbane Heat | 17 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 25.00 |
| Melbourne Renegades | 16 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 62.50 |
| Melbourne Stars | 16 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 62.50 |
| Perth Scorchers | 15 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 28.57 |
| Sydney Sixers | 18 | 2 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 11.11 |
| Sydney Thunder | 15 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Total | 112 | 38 | 71 | 0 | 3 | 34.86 |
Hobart Hurricanes in WBBL: Unveiling Remarkable Records
Highest Score in an Innings: On December 9, 2018, the Hurricanes displayed their batting prowess by setting a formidable record of 6/196 in a thrilling match against the Melbourne Stars.
Highest Successful Chase: A testament to their resilience, the Hurricanes achieved a remarkable chase of 4/147 in 19.2 overs against the Melbourne Stars on October 27, 2021.
Lowest Successful Defense: In a closely-fought encounter, the Hurricanes successfully defended a modest total of 7/117 against the Adelaide Strikers on December 12, 2015.
Largest Victories: Their dominant performances have yielded significant victories, including a massive 72-run win while batting first against the Melbourne Stars on December 9, 2018. Additionally, their prowess in chasing was evident when they secured a victory with 56 balls remaining against the Melbourne Renegades on November 7, 2022.
Streaks of Success:
The Hurricanes’ journey is studded with impressive winning streaks, with the longest being five consecutive victories. These streaks underscore their consistency and determination to excel in the league.
Individual Prowess:
The Hurricanes have nurtured a pool of exceptional talent, both with bat and ball.
Most Runs: Heather Knight has been the torchbearer of the Hurricanes’ batting, accumulating a staggering 1,353 runs.
Highest Individual Score: Rachel Priest’s memorable innings of 107* off 68 balls against the Melbourne Stars on October 19, 2021, remains one of the most iconic performances.
Partnership Excellence: Rachel Priest and Hayley Matthews forged an unbeaten partnership of 127* against the Sydney Sixers on November 14, 2020, demonstrating their incredible synergy.
Wicket-Taking Prowess: Nicola Carey stands as the Hurricanes’ leading wicket-taker with 51 scalps to her name.
Best Bowling Figures: Amy Satterthwaite’s remarkable spell of 5/17 in four overs against the Sydney Thunder on January 16, 2017, remains an exceptional achievement.
Hat-Trick Heroics: Notably, Amy Satterthwaite clinched a memorable hat-trick against the Sydney Thunder on the same day as her impressive bowling figures.
Safe Hands: Heather Knight leads in the fielding department with 28 catches.
Wicket-Keeping Excellence: Georgia Redmayne has excelled as a wicket-keeper, amassing 30 dismissals, comprising 18 catches and 12 stumpings.
Celebrating Individual Excellence:
The Hurricanes have celebrated individual achievements with awards like “Player of the Match.” Notable players like Hayley Matthews, Heather Knight, Amy Satterthwaite, Mignon du Preez, Rachel Priest, and Belinda Vakarewa have received these accolades.
The Hobart Hurricanes’ journey in the WBBL has been adorned with outstanding records and exceptional performances, making them a team to watch out for in every season of the league.
