THE ninth Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season us almost upon us, with the competition set to kick off next week.

In the lead up to the opening day, Rookie Me Central are going to countdown by previewing each of the teams set to be contesting the tournament this season.

Today’s team to be previewed is the Hobart Hurricanes.

WBBL08 was definitely a season of progression for the team in purple, as they jumped from sixth in WBBL07, to finals last season. However their run in finals was not deep, only making it to the Eliminator before being eliminated, so the goal for the ‘Canes this season will be to keep that season on season progression moving forward and to build a deeper run into finals this season.

A lot of the changes to the Hurricanes’ line up from last season surrounds their internationals.

There are two new internationals in the Hurricanes’ line up alongside returning international Lizelle Lee.

Shabnim Ismail is a quick bowler that has come across from the Renegades after the Hurricanes scooped her up in the recent draft.

The Hurricanes’ other draftee was Bryony Smith. The 25-year-old is an Englishwoman who is an allrounder who is a spinner.

Coming out of the side is Mignon du Preez, who got snapped up by the Heat, Hayley Jensen, who is not returning to the WBBL this season, and Julia Cavanough, who did not get a contract this season.

There is still one spot left on the Hurricanes’ list at time of writing, so it remains to be seen which lucky player gets that final spot.

Of the locals who are coming back for another season, there is plenty of talent both young and experiences.

Nicola Carey, Heather Graham, Molly Strano and Elyse Villani all provide plenty of leadership to what is at times a pretty young Hurricanes line up, and have all been in or on the fringes of Australian teams in recent times, and would no doubt love nothing more than to have a massive summer and return to the Australian line up.

Hobart Hurricanes WBBL09 Squad*

Nicola Carey, Maisy Gibson, Heather Graham, Shabnim Ismail, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Emma Manix-Geeves, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Bryony Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Elyse Villani

*1 spot left