Warwickshire County Cricket Club has secured the services of explosive Australian batter Laura Harris for the inaugural Women’s T20 Blast, set to commence later this month.
Harris, 34, brings a wealth of experience from Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) as a 123-game veteran. She is no stranger to English conditions, having previously featured for three different teams in England’s The Hundred competition.
Director of Cricket Laura Macleod expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Her aggressive batting approach and proven experience at the highest level of franchise cricket will undoubtedly strengthen our side. She perfectly aligns with our ambitions and the style of cricket we aim to showcase.”
Harris’ cricketing journey is significantly marked by her achievements in franchise cricket leagues. In the WBBL, she has played 123 matches, amassing 1,275 runs at a striking rate of 159.17. Her ability to clear the boundary is evident with her tally of 60 sixes and 133 fours. In her most recent campaign, the 2024-25 WBBL, she scored a total of 159 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 169.14, closing the tournament with a tally of 28 boundaries.
Beyond the WBBL, Harris has showcased her talents in various franchise leagues. Her stints include playing for the Northern Superchargers and Oval Invincibles in The Hundred, Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and the Barbados Royals in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL). She has played a total of 10 matches in the WCPL, accumulating 100 runs at a strike rate of 185.18.
Earlier in the 2024-25 season, Harris helped Brisbane Heat reach the final of the T20 Spring Challenge and smashed an unbeaten 102* against Sydney Thunder Women on October 11, including 11 fours and eight maximums.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining the Bears this summer for the T20 Blast. I’ve heard fantastic things about the team environment and the passion of the supporters. I’m eager to get started, contribute on the field, and hopefully play a big role in a successful campaign,” expressed Harris.
Warwickshire, competing under the name Bears Women, is one of eight fully professional teams participating in the new domestic women’s cricket format, which replaces the former regional structure. Their campaign kicks off against The Blaze at Trent Bridge on May 30, followed by their first home game against Durham on May 31, featuring as part of a double-header with the men’s team.
