Ireland star Kim Garth joins Perth Scorchers ahead of Women's Big Bash

Garth has previously been part of title-winning Big Bash sides with Sydney Sixers in 2016/17 and 2017/18

Perth Scorchers have signed Ireland allrounder Kim Garth ahead of the beginning of their Women’s Big Bash campaign.

Garth, 23, has taken 65 wickets for her country and has represented Ireland on more than 80 occasions, currently holding the vice-captaincy role. She batted at number three during the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier in Scotland.

She has previously been part of title-winning Big Bash sides with Sydney Sixers in 2016/17 and 2017/18.

“It came to me as a bit of a shock,” Garth reflected. “I was playing in a World Cup qualifier at the time and when I heard the Scorchers wanted to sign me I was over the moon.

“The WBBL is the best female domestic competition in the world, and for the opportunity to play in this tournament alongside the likes of Meg Lanning and Nat Sciver is really exciting.

“I’ve visited Perth a couple of times, it’s a brilliant place and I can’t wait to get started.”

Lisa Keightley, who will coach London Spirit in the women’s edition of The Hundred, will be Garth’s coach at Scorchers.

“It’s great to see Kim back playing in the WBBL competition, she comes into our squad with valuable WBBL experience and had a great impact with the ball,” Keightley added.

“I’m really excited with the squad we have put together, we have great flexibility across the board which will be key throughout our campaign.

“Having three left handers in our batting line up means we’re not as restricted to one side of the ground against the spinners, and that’s a position we haven’t been in before which is exciting.”