Express & Star

Bears women swoop to bolster batting ranks with Australian overseas

Bears Women have bolstered their Vitality Blast batting line-up with the signing of explosive Australian overseas player Laura Harris.

Published

The vastly experienced opener – who’s played 123 times in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia – will be available for Bears Women’s entire T20 campaign.

It means she’s in line to make her debut at Trent Bridge against The Blaze on 30 May and her Edgbaston bow on Saturday 31 May in the Blast Off when Bears Women and Men take on Durham Women and Men in a double-header.

Blast Off is also the Club’s Family Day so there will be lots of activities for young Bears fans and live music throughout the day.

Harris helped Brisbane Heat Women reach the final of the T20 Spring Challenge last October and clubbed an unbeaten 102 vs Sydney Thunder Women on 11 October including 11 fours and eight 6s with a Strike Rate of 221.73.

Harris said: "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."

The 34-year-old is no stranger to cricket in England & Wales having played for three sides in The Hundred – Welsh Fire, Oval Invincibles, and Northern Superchargers – and has a Strike rate of 186.95 in the competition.

Laura MacLeod, Bears Women Director of Women’s Cricket, said she’s excited to see Harris in action.

"We’re thrilled to welcome Laura to Warwickshire for the T20 Blast,” said MacLeod. “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."