In a significant shake-up at the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) draft, Sophia Dunkley emerged as the top pick for the Sydney Sixers, marking a pivotal moment in the league's player allocations. The Sixers decided not to retain Sophie Ecclestone, a top-tier spinner and former number one bowler in the T20 rankings, opting instead to strengthen their batting lineup with Dunkley.

Ecclestone, who has been a cornerstone for the Sixers since 2022, recently took a short hiatus from domestic cricket to focus on her wellbeing and recovery from injury. She is set to return to England's squad for the upcoming series against India. Her new chapter begins with the Adelaide Strikers, who also secured the services of Tammy Beaumont, another formidable English batter.

The draft also saw Melbourne Stars picking up Amy Jones, a reliable wicketkeeper, while Perth Scorchers introduced Paige Scholfield to the WBBL for the first time. Hobart Hurricanes added Linsey Smith to their roster, who has shown exceptional performance in Ecclestone's absence during the West Indies series.

In other notable moves, Nat Sciver-Brunt, England's skipper, was pre-signed by the Hurricanes, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge was retained by the same team. Sydney Thunder also kept their faith in Heather Knight, the former England captain.

Dani Gibson and Alice Capsey are set to bring their all-round skills to Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, respectively. However, Hayley Matthews, the West Indies captain, will miss the tournament due to shoulder surgery, a significant blow to the Renegades.

Full WBBL Draft Picks:

• Adelaide Strikers: Sophie Ecclestone (England), Laura Wolvaardt* (South Africa), Tammy Beaumont (England)
• Brisbane Heat: Jemimah Rodrigues (India), Chinelle Henry (West Indies), Nadine de Klerk* (South Africa)
• Hobart Hurricanes: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England), Nat Sciver-Brunt* (England), Linsey Smith (England)
• Melbourne Renegades: Deandra Dottin (West Indies), Alice Capsey (England)
• Melbourne Stars: Amy Jones (England), Marizanne Kapp* (South Africa), Dani Gibson (England)
• Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine* (New Zealand), Paige Scholfield (England), Chloe Tryon (South Africa)
• Sydney Sixers: Sophia Dunkley (England), Amelia Kerr* (New Zealand), Mady Villiers (England)
• Sydney Thunder: Heather Knight (England), Chamari Athapaththu* (Sri Lanka), Shabnim Ismail (South Africa)

*indicates player was pre-signed before draft