Western Storm bring back New Zealand star Rachel Priest for Kia Super League

The 34-year-old wicketkeeper has been part of the team’s squad since the inaugural edition of the Super League in 2016

Kia Super League side Western Storm have re-signed New Zealand star Rachel Priest ahead of this season’s competition.

The 34-year-old wicketkeeper has been part of the team’s squad since the inaugural edition of the Super League in 2016.

She has played 25 games in the tournament, scoring more than 570 runs – a record that peaked with an unbeaten 106 against Yorkshire as, alongside England captain Heather Knight, she put on an unbroken stand of 161.

Priest returns as a marquee name in world cricket, with 68 T20 international appearances and a further 86 ODIs under her belt.

Western Storm head coach, Trevor Griffin didn’t hide his delight at the return of the legendary White Ferns stalwart.

“Rachel has been an integral part of what Western Storm has achieved over the last few years,” he said. “She’s been here since the very beginning and her performances on the field have been top class.

“What’s just as important for us is that her contribution off the field has been equally impressive. She is great in the dressing room, her experience is invaluable in helping our younger squad members and her dedication to community-based projects, such as the Lord’s Taverners Wicketz initiative, the Western Storm girls camps and schools competitions, has been superb.

“I was also able to spend some time with Rachel this winter as we were both at Sydney Thunder for the WBBL, and it was great to have an extra opportunity to continue working on her skills. Everyone associated with the squad is delighted that she will be with us again in 2019.”

^{Priest is in her fourth year with Western Storm.}

Priest added: “There’s something special about Western Storm and there’s always a great energy around the squad. Our international players are in good form and the younger players have another year of experience under their belts, so I see no reason why we can’t be challenging again this year.”

Western Storm were beaten by eventual champions Surrey Stars in the semi-final of last year’s tournament.

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