Indian women’s cricket team’s wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, on Friday, became the 7th Indian cricketer set to play in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). She was signed by Hobart Hurricanes. Richa, who celebrated her 18th birthday this week, is expected to make her Big Bash debut in 2021 and will be a great addition to the team’s middle-order batting.

Richa made her international debut for India last year in the Tri-National Women’s T20 series that was played in the run-up to the ICC T20 World Cup. She then also represented her country in the ICC’s tournament where India returned as runners-up.

The Indian team lost to Australia by 85 runs. In reply to Australia’s daunting title of 184/4 in 20 overs, India were bowled out for 99 in 19.1 overs.

With a strike rate of over 100 in T20Is, Richa made her One-Day International debut on Australian soil last month. She was part of India’s tour of Australia.

“I’m very excited to be playing in the WBBL this year,” Richa said.

“I’m very thankful to the Hurricanes for this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to coming to Tasmania and meeting up with my new teammates,” she added.

She will meet with Hobart Hurricanes’ teammates after the conclusion of India’s series against Australia.

Ghosh has been named in the place of Lizelle Lee, who had signed with the Hurricanes for the seventh edition of the WBBL. Lizelle said that she is taking an indefinite break from cricket after countless overseas tournaments, bubbles and quarantine requirements.

Richa will be joining Nicola Carey, Mignon du Preez (o/s), Maisy Gibson, Angelina Genford, Ruth Johnston, Sasha Moloney, Rachel Priest (o/s), Chloe Rafferty, Amy Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman (inj.), Belinda Vakarewa and Tayla Vlaeminck to complete the Hurricanes list for T20 league.

In the WBBL, Richa joined Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma (Sydney Thunder), Shafali Verma and Radha Yadav (Sydney Sixers), and Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur (Melbourne Renegades).