Perth Scorchers came within 8 wickets of a second WBBL title last December, beaten by Hobart Hurricanes in the WBBL|11 final. Their biggest off-season storyline was whether one of their longest-serving players would make it back onto the field at all, and Cricket Australia's official squad tracker has now confirmed she will.
Devine's Comeback Is On
Sophie Devine, 36, has played all 11 previous WBBL seasons: her first five for Adelaide Strikers, her most recent six for Perth Scorchers. She retired from international cricket after New Zealand's group-stage exit at this year's T20 World Cup, then suffered a grade 3C calf tear just four games into captaining Welsh Fire in the Hundred, ending that campaign early.
"It's pretty frustrating," Devine told Cricinfo in August. "I've done a fair job of the calf, tearing at a decent grade, 3C, so I'm looking at a pretty lengthy rehab recovery for that... targeting Big Bash is the next thing for me, which is a really good goal." Her recovery timeline was estimated at 8 to 12 weeks from the injury, which lines up with the WBBL's 29 October start. Cricket Australia's official WBBL|12 squad tracker has since confirmed Devine as a returning overseas signing for the Scorchers, alongside England allrounder Freya Kemp, who also re-signs for the season.
Mooney's Record Book Is Already Full
The Scorchers already have the WBBL's most decorated player in their squad regardless of Devine's fitness. Beth Mooney holds the all-time records for most career runs (5,600) and most dismissals by a wicket-keeper (124), both built up across a career that includes spells with Brisbane Heat and now Perth Scorchers. She has topped the season run-scoring charts more times than anyone else in the competition's history, and remains contracted alongside Alana King and Katie Mack.
Confirmed Squad So Far
Home ground is the WACA Ground in Perth. Coach Becky Grundy has WBBL|11's runners-up largely intact heading into the new season. Source: Cricket Australia's official WBBL|12 squad tracker, checked 30 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Sophie Devine play WBBL 2026 for Perth Scorchers?
Yes, confirmed. She's returning as an overseas signing while completing her recovery from a grade 3C calf tear, per Cricket Australia's official WBBL|12 squad tracker.
Who else has Perth Scorchers signed as an overseas player?
England allrounder Freya Kemp has also re-signed as an overseas player for WBBL 2026, alongside Devine.
Who holds the all-time WBBL runs record?
Beth Mooney, who plays for Perth Scorchers, with 5,600 career runs.
How did Perth Scorchers finish WBBL 2025/26?
Runners-up. They lost the WBBL|11 final to Hobart Hurricanes by 8 wickets on 13 December 2025.
How many WBBL titles have Perth Scorchers won?
One, WBBL|07 in 2021/22.
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