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WPL takes whole game forward: Nitschke

By AAP Newswire

Feb 14, 2023

Australia's Beth Mooney is one of the star signings for the new Indian WPL. -AAP Image

The all-conquering Australian expect to draw more power from the WPL, with national coach Shelley Nitschke excited by what the new league will do for women's cricket.

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Of the 30 overseas spot available in the first WPL auction, 14 were taken by Australians.

A three-way bidding war meant Ashleigh Gardner attracted the second-highest bid of $558,000 in the auction.

Australia are defending their T20 World Cup title in South Africa and opened the tournament with a big win over New Zealand.

They are also the reigning one-day champions and won the gold medal at last year's Commonwealth Games.

Nitschke was asked whether the Indian league can enhance the professionalism that has been the bedrock to the Australian team's success.

"Look, I think it does. It takes the whole game forward, and we're just a small part of that," she said.

"But it's going to be really exciting to see all the players back playing in India together in another franchise. And WPL is going to take the game to a different level, I think.

"So it's exciting for Australian cricket as it is for cricket all over the world. I think our girls are excited about it, but focused on the job at hand while we're here in South Africa as well."

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press