Defending Champions
Hobart Hurricanes have never won a WBBL title before last season. Then in December 2025 they beat Perth Scorchers by 8 wickets in the WBBL|11 final at their own Bellerive Oval, with Lizelle Lee named player of the match. Now they're defending it, and the club's off-season has been about keeping the group together, then adding one more piece.
Wyatt-Hodge and Smith Both Re-Sign
England pair Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Linsey Smith confirmed their returns on 23 September 2026. Both were central to the title win: Wyatt-Hodge scored 432 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 144.00, and left-arm spinner Smith took 15 wickets.
"Last season was probably some of the most enjoyable cricket I've played," Wyatt-Hodge said. "Hopefully I can come back, contribute at the top of the order again and help us have another successful season." Smith added: "I had such a brilliant time in Hobart last year and to win the competition in my first season with the Hurricanes was pretty special. It was a really enjoyable group to be part of and I felt like I was able to settle into my role quite quickly and contribute to the team."
Chinelle Henry Completes the Overseas Trio
The Hurricanes have gone one further, luring West Indies allrounder Chinelle Henry away from Brisbane Heat to complete their overseas contingent alongside Wyatt-Hodge and Smith. Henry has played 78 T20Is for the West Indies and hit an unbeaten 51 off 30 balls against England at Lord's during this year's T20 World Cup.
"It was just about trying to join a team that's actually basically a family, and it's about more than winning and what actually transpires off the field as much as on it," Henry said. "I've played with Lizelle (Lee), I just played the Hundred with Nic Carey, it was just more about choosing a team that fits me as a person. I'm quite flexible in terms of what role I play, and whatever role that is that they need me to play, I'm quite ready to do that. It's pretty big shoes to fill joining the reigning champions but with most of the girls returning to the squad, it's just trying to fit in as quickly as possible."
Cricket Tasmania general manager of high performance Salliann Beams explained the thinking: "We were quite deliberate in what we wanted from our third international spot and Chinelle fits that profile really well. We wanted someone who could provide genuine power with the bat while also giving us another bowling option, and Chinelle has shown she can impact games in both areas."
The departures are Elyse Villani, the captain who retired shortly after lifting the trophy, England's Natalie Sciver-Brunt (sitting out this season after an injury-hampered home summer) and Scotland's Kathryn Bryce. Ella Hayward arrives from Melbourne Stars to add to the spin stocks.
Confirmed Squad So Far
Home ground is Blundstone Arena in Hobart, where they'll open their title defence in front of a crowd that watched them win it all in December. Coach Jude Coleman has one list spot still open, which the club must hold until next month's T20 Spring Challenge concludes. Source: Cricket Australia's official WBBL|12 squad tracker, checked 30 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Hobart Hurricanes win the last WBBL?
Yes. WBBL|11 (2025/26), their first title, beating Perth Scorchers by 8 wickets in the final on 13 December 2025.
Who has Hobart Hurricanes signed for WBBL 2026?
Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Linsey Smith both re-signed 23 September 2026, and West Indies allrounder Chinelle Henry joined from Brisbane Heat to complete the overseas trio.
Who left the Hurricanes squad?
Captain Elyse Villani has retired. England's Natalie Sciver-Brunt is sitting out this season, and Scotland's Kathryn Bryce has also departed.
What's Hobart Hurricanes' home ground?
Blundstone Arena, Hobart.
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