THE 2023/24 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) season is almost upon us, with games set to get underway later this month. To build up to the season, we here at Rookie Me Central will take a deep dive into each of the teams competing this season.

SQUAD

Nicola Carey, Julia Cavanough, Heather Graham, Beth Lane, Lizelle Lee, Emma Manix-Geeves, Sasha Moloney, Tabatha Saville, Clare Scott, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Elyse Villani, Callie Wilson

FIXTURE

October 8 – ACT – EPC Solar Park
October 10 – ACT – EPC Solar Park
December 12 – South Australia – Blundstone Arena
December 14 – South Australia – Blundstone Arena
January 5 – New South Wales – Wilson Park
January 7 – New South Wales – Wilson Park
January 15 – Queensland – Blundstone Arena
January 17 – Queensland – Blundstone Arena
February 1 – Western Australia – Blundstone Arena
February 3 – Western Australia – Blundstone Arena
February 12 – Victoria – Junction Oval
February 14 – Victoria – Junction Oval

NEW FACES

There are four new faces in the Tasmanian squad this season.

The biggest name of those inclusions is Lizelle Lee, with the South African signing a full time contract after coming into the side in the back end of last season.

Beth Lane is a 19 year old leg spinner from NSW, and is not the only spinner from NSW joining the reigning champions with Lauren Smith also moving down.

The final new face is Tabatha Saville, with the 25 year old middle order bat coming across from South Australia.

DEPARTURES

There are only two faces from last season’s squad not returning to the Tigers in 2023/24. Maisy Gibson has decided to take a break from elite cricket, while Emma Thompson retired.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Lizelle Lee is someone who will be fascinating to watch this summer. Renowned for her big hitting, she at times has not always been consistent, but as one of the leaders in a still fairly young side, the pressure is on her to consistently perform.