22 Dec 2022Two overseas players will bolster the Northern Brave women’s squad for the Dream11 Super Smash campaign that gets underway at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui this week.
Seam bowler Phoebe Graham joins from England and Australian international leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington will make the short journey across the Tasman.
The pair will add experience and leadership to a group that has already impressed in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield recently, including a record win over the Central Hinds that featured a mammoth 183 innings to Caitlin Gurrey – equalling the women’s List A record with WHITE FERNS stalwart Suzie Bates.
Graham, 31, is no stranger to a big stage having represented Northern Superchargers and Manchester Originals in The Hundred, as well as playing her county cricket for North West Thunder in England.
“I’m really excited to be over here. The Northern Brave group has welcomed me with open arms in my short time in New Zealand”, said Graham.
“I’d describe myself as a new ball strike bowler, looking to use my height and pace to take early wickets and be a point of difference in the attack.
“I’ve played with WHITE FERNS Lea Tahuhu and Amy Satterthwaite back in the UK and I’m looking forwards to seeing the strength of the other players here.”
Jo Broadbent will once again coach the Northern Brave (W) and is excited to add overseas experience and bowling variation to her talented squad.
Broadbent is no stranger to international competition herself, with 70 caps for Australia to her name.
“It’s awesome to bring in the calibre of both our overseas players”, said Broadbent.
“They’ll bring some strong leadership for our side and different ideas from their experiences from around the world. Equally, both will benefit from playing in some different conditions, so it’ll be a great learning curve for them as well.”
The signing of Wellington gives Broadbent another Aussie in the group, a prospect that the head coach is relishing.
“We’re both from South Australia, so she’s a good sort. I’ve followed her journey from afar. She is an extremely hard worker which has got her onto the fringes of the national set-up, showing persistence and patience to get into a very strong side there.
“When I sent her a message to see if she fancied coming over, Amanda replied within 30 seconds that she was! That’s the type of calibre of person she is and shows how much she wants to get game time.
She'll be flying straight in from India and will be an excellent fit for the side.”
Northern Districts GM Performance & Talent Ian Sandbrook was equally pleased to secure the two signings for the campaign.
“We’re really excited to have Amanda-Jade and Phoebe join us for the Super Smash competition.
“Amanda-Jade will join us for the first three rounds and then again for Round 8 to Round 10, whilst Phoebe will be with us for the duration.
“They’re both high quality players and will add to the competitiveness of the group, but more importantly are both quality people and leaders.
We have no doubt that adding them to our group will enrich our learning environment and help in the long-term development of our exciting young players.”
Away from cricket, Graham is the founder of gender equality business TipnFlip, and will look to fit in some remote working whilst over here.
"I'm really passionate about helping women achieve their dreams to create gender parity," Graham said.
"I'm looking to fit in some work back at home when I can although the time difference may be a challenge! For this to be the inaugural season of double-headers and equal match payments is a great thing for me to be a part of and can only benefit the professional game here.”
Both signings are also keen to enjoy themselves whilst over in a new country.
"I'm really looking forwards to getting around New Zealand and seeing the different cities and all of the grounds. I've also done a bit of time on commentary back at home, so I'll jump on any opportunity over here to do something similar!" said Graham.
The Northern Brave are in action this Friday, 23 December at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, in a double header against the Canterbury based sides.
The women will take on the Magicians from 3.00pm with a men’s Grand Final rematch against the Kings underway at 6.40pm.
Tickets are available from ndcricket.co.nz at $20 for adults, with kids from $5 or get a group together with a Family Pack (two adults and up to four kids) from $40 or a Mates Pack (four adults) for $60.
