Former Australian cricketer Elyse Villani has announced her resignation from the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), having led the Hobart Hurricanes to their first title. On Saturday, December 13, the Hurricanes sealed a remarkable success by defeating the Perth Scorchers by eight wickets at Bellerive Oval in front of a sold-out home crowd.
With the victory, the Hobart Hurricanes currently hold both the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) titles, closing off a record season for the franchise. Villani, who captained the team, was instrumental in the squad’s success throughout the season.
Following the final, Villani confirmed that it was her final WBBL appearance. The 36-year-old had an impressive career in the WBBL, appearing in all 11 seasons. She previously played for the Perth Scorchers and the Melbourne Stars before completing her career with the Hobart Hurricanes, where she won the coveted title after finishing second three times.
Elyse Villani also had a great international career, representing Australia in 99 matches, and he exits the WBBL as one of its most prominent and respected figures.
“It’s a fairytale ending and in elite sport it’s very rare to have that. It has been playing on the back of my mind this season and I was hoping this could be the way it finished. I was 80% sure this was the way it was going to go to retire after the game, but as soon as we won, I knew this was the moment,” said Villani as quoted by.
Villani joined Hobart Hurricanes ahead of the 2022-23 season, at a time when the side had finished last in three of the previous five campaigns. Under her leadership and guidance, the Hurricanes rebuilt their squad and enjoyed a remarkable turnaround, losing just two matches in the title-winning season.
Villani confirmed she will continue to play for Tasmania in the 50-over format and will transition into an off-field role with Hobart Hurricanes, continuing her association with the franchise beyond her playing career.
“Sometimes you can have a really good list and feel the pressure of that list. But what this group has done really well is that at different points in the season different people performed. Cricket has been something that has been a big part of my life and something I’ll miss a lot but at the same time you can’t sort of live this dream forever,” said Villani.
Speaking about the match, Perth Scorchers were restricted to 137 for 5 before Hobart Hurricanes opener Lizelle Lee turned on the heat with an unbeaten 77 off just 44 deliveries. Her innings, which included 10 fours and four sixes, came 11 months after Mitchell Owen smashed 108 on the same ground, helping Hobart Hurricanes secure their first BBL title.
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