From Wolvaardt to Kerr: Players to watch in WBBL 11 before the WPL 2026 mega auction

Prachi Rajan

Players to watch in WBBL 11 (Source: X.com)Players to watch in WBBL 11 (Source: X.com)

Fresh out of the historic Women's World Cup 2025, a pool of international stars is set to feature in the Women's Big Bash League. The Australian festival of cricket on Sunday witnessed a magnificent opening day of two games played in a completely contrasting manner. 

Before the start of WBBL 2025, a good bunch of global stars were retained in the WPL 2026 retention list. However, some names like - Laura Wolvaardt and Sophie Ecclestone - failed to secure a retention despite their capability and prowess displayed in the Women's world championship. 

The ongoing 8-team tournament down under will be crucial for these superstars to find a home in the upcoming WPL 2026 mega auction on Thursday, November 27. 

Top 5 players to watch out for in WBBL 11 ahead of WPL 2026 Mega auction

Laura Wolvaardt, Adelaide Strikers

After a phenomenal outing in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, Laura Wolvaardt is ready to feature for Adelaide Strikers. Wolvaardt, known for her signature cover drives combined with a newfound aggression, led South Africa to the finals and scored the highest-ever runs in a single World Cup season. 

Tournament
WBBL
WPL
Matches9213
Runs1,835342
Highest Score7576
Average24.826.31
Strike Rate109.55125.74
50s83
For the Strikers, the 26-year-old has been a star reformer, amassing 1,825 runs at an average of 24.66 and eight half-centuries throughout her WBBL career. She has been the backbone of the Strikers' batting lineup.   

Amelia Kerr, Sydney Sixers

The New Zealand all-rounder, Amelia Kerr, is one of the complete players in modern-day cricket. Kerr, despite being a commendable performer for the Mumbai Indians, didn't get retained by the IPL franchise. Nonetheless, the Sydney Sixers struck gold by signing the all-rounder. 

In WBBL, Amelia has 77 wickets to her name at an economy below 7 and has struck 969 runs with an average of 24.22. However, her batting, in recent years, has taken a massive stride, helping her become a valuable asset in the middle order. Moreover, her ability to adapt to match conditions and absorb the match pressure makes her a difference-maker for any team. 

Sophie Ecclestone, Adelaide Strikers

The premier spinner from England, Sophie Ecclestone, has a new side in the Adelaide Strikers. Ecclestone, the world's No.1 T20 bowler, played for the Sydney Sixers in her two previous campaigns.  

Tournament
WPL
WBBL
Matches2523
Wickets3632
Best Bowling4/13 4/17
Average18.3918.78
Economy6.697
3W40

The 26-year-old, in her WBBL career, has picked a total of 32 wickets in 23 games, with an economy of 6.77. Moreover, the English spinner has been quite impactful with the bat, with 47 being her highest run knock in the tournament. 

Nadine de Klerk, Brisbane Heat

The South African all-rounder, Nadine de Klerk, has emerged as a star performer in recent times. Considering her current form, her return to the Brisbane Heat strengthens the squad. De Klerk is known to contribute significantly with both bat and ball, topped with her fierce competitiveness. 

Although her appearance in the WPL has been limited to just one game, which was in 2024, she impressed everyone in the recently concluded World Cup. Ammassing 208 runs at a strike rate of 131.64 batting lower down the order and scalping 9 wickets, Nadine de Klerk will be another player to look out for in the WBBL's 11th edition. 

Meg Lanning, Melbourne Stars

The most successful captain in the history of women's cricket, former Australian cricketer Meg Lanning, was released by the Delhi Capitals ahead of the WPL 2026 Mega Auction, despite taking the franchise to 3 consecutive finals. 

Notably, Lanning is not only a fantastic leader, but her ability to score runs at the top of the order makes her a valuable asset in the T20s, where there's almost no room for error. 

After her international retirement in November 2023, her focus completely shifted to franchise cricket. That being said, her performance in the ongoing WBBL 2025 will be vital for her to find a place in the Women's Premier League 2026, as franchise like UP Warriorz are looking to find their core in the mega auction. 

With WBBL 2025 in spotlight, the race to impress WPL franchises begins

The Women’s Big Bash League 2025 is once again ready to showcase global talent. From Laura Wolvaardt’s elegance to Amelia Kerr’s versatility and Meg Lanning’s leadership, each of these players brings something unique to their franchise. 

Nonetheless, the above names, keeping their high stature in global cricket aside, will look to prove their mettle in the 11th edition of the WBBL, to be able to impress franchises before the set-to-be-held WPL 2026 mega auction.