Proteas women's star Laura Wolvaardt to play for the Adelaide Strikers

Proteas women's star Laura Wolvaardt has signed a deal to represent Adelaide Strikers in this season's Women's Big Bash League (WBBL).

The 21-year-old Wolvaardt, a stylish right-handed batter, picked up the South African women's cricketer of the year award last month and has represented the Brisbane Heat in previous editions of the WBBL.

She was named in the ICC Team of Tournament at the Women's T20 World Cup earlier this year where the Proteas lost in the semifinals against hosts and eventual winners Australia.

"I am so excited to be joining the Strikers. They are an amazing cricket team and almost went all the way to win the tournament last year," said Wolvaardt.

"I have been lucky enough to play at both the Adelaide Oval and the Karen Rolton Oval, and both are such beautiful cricket grounds and the city is wonderful too.

"I spent some time in Adelaide earlier this year for the World Cup. I am really excited to meet the team and to make some good memories on and off the field this year."

Strikers head coach Luke Williams is looking forward to the attributes Wolvaardt is set to bring to the team.

"We're extremely pleased to have secured the signing of Laura who we think is an exceptional young talent and will fit into our group nicely," Williams said.

"We were very impressed by her standout performances on the biggest stage of them all, the T20 World Cup, and we're excited for what she will bring to the Strikers batting order, and her versatility in that order."

The WBBL is scheduled to kick off on 17 October with the final set to take place on 29 November.

This article originally appeared on Sport24

Photo: PA