Scorchers' Young Star Sets Sights on WBBL Premiership
Western Australia's rising fast bowling star, Chloe Ainsworth, has boldly declared the Perth Scorchers are not just aiming for a finals return in the 2025 Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), but are targeting the ultimate prize: lifting the trophy.
Ainsworth, speaking at the Play Cricket launch, told The West Australian that the heartbreak of missing the finals last season is now fuelling the team's ambition. Perth missed finals last season in heartbreaking circumstances, but the young gun believes the squad has the quality to go all the way this time.
Reinforced Squad Ready for Title Charge
The Scorchers' confidence is bolstered by a strong core of players and strategic recruitment. Ainsworth was named to her second consecutive Team of the Tournament in 2024, alongside esteemed teammates Alana King and Beth Mooney.
This formidable local talent is now complemented by significant new signings. New Zealand international Sophie Devine and former Adelaide Striker Katie Mack have swapped their old colours for the Scorchers' orange. Ainsworth expressed particular excitement about Mack's arrival, noting her proven quality as a domestic batter.
"I’m so excited for Katie Mack to get here. Having her from the Strikers, I think she’s shown how good she is as a bat, especially as a domestic player," Ainsworth said.
National Experience and Local Returns Boost Standards
Ainsworth's impressive 2024 campaign earned her a coveted opportunity to train with the Australian national team. She described the experience as "amazing," providing invaluable insight into the standards of the world's best players.
"They’re just so good at what they do, and seeing how they train and go about things, you can see why they’re the best in the world," she remarked. Ainsworth is now using that experience to help push standards within the WA set-up.
Further strengthening the local squad is the return of home-grown allrounder Heather Graham after a stint with Tasmania. Ainsworth highlighted the value of having such an "experienced, world-class player" back at training.
With a blend of established stars, exciting new recruits, and a young gun like Ainsworth using past failure as fuel, the Perth Scorchers are firmly positioning themselves as serious contenders to add a second WBBL title to the franchise’s brimming trophy cabinet.
