Chamari Atapattu becomes first Sri Lankan to be drafted in WBBL 2017-18

Chamari Atapattu has signed a one-year contract with Melbourne Renegades.

The Sri Lankan batter who tore apart the Australian bowling line-up during the 2017 Women’s World Cup, has another record to her name. Chamari Atapattu is the first Sri Lankan who will appear for Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). The explosive batter has been drafted for Melbourne Renegades.

Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers and Renegades had an eye on Chamari. However, Renegades were the first to offer Chamari the opportunity through her uncle Vernon Thisara who resides in Melbourne. Chamari has signed a contract with Renegades for a year.

When Chamari had smashed 143-ball 178, it was the highest score by a Sri Lankan at the World Cup. It was also the third highest ODI score and second highest at the World Cup.

Recently, Veda Krishnamurthy too had been drafted by Hobert Hurricanes. Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana had received the opportunity last year playing for Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat respectively. Harmanpreet shone in the previous edition with some explosive knocks.

Renegades coach Tim Coyle did witness Chamari’s knock during the World Cup that prompted him to sign her. In a chat with cricket.com.au, Coyle spoke about what made him sign Chamari.

On Chamari Atapattu: Chamari brings an international “x factor” which you need in T20 cricket. I’m pleased we’ve been able to re-sign Kris in an expanded role and Maitlan, Georgia and Tayla who continue to perform well as their careers develop. We’ve left our final two contracted positions open for now. We’ll review the opening two rounds of the WNCL and club level and see who would make good additions to our squad.

As for Chamari’s reaction on receiving the golden ticket, the batter could not contain her excitement while speaking to cricbuzz.

On playing WBBL: I haven’t played in Big Bash before, so I am obviously very excited. It’s a huge opportunity for me and I am looking to learn a lot in Australia. They showed confidence in me and my performance said that’s why they’re offering me the chance. So that’s why I agreed to play [for Renegades]. I accepted the offer in an instant.

Learning’s from Sanath Jayasuriya and Lasith Malinga: I will try and stick to my normal game as much as possible… that’s what I do best. Sanath [Jayasuriya] bhaiya spoke to me. He shared his experience with me [of playing in Australia] and that’s very helpful. I spoke to Lasith Malinga also, and they also advised me to not take any pressure.

On gaining handy tips from Harmanpreet Kaur: Harman’s played some very good cricket since Big Bash last year she’s learnt a lot of things during her stint with Sydney [Thunder]. She’s become brilliant under pressure. I watch a lot of her video clips and I want to learn that bat swing from her. It won’t be easy but it’s very effective against spin. Even in future, if there is Indian Premier League for women, I’d love to play alongside Harman and learn more.