Sophie Devine Targets WBBL Comeback After Injury Setback

Sophie Devine, 36, aims to make a comeback in the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) following a severe calf tear that curtailed her Hundred campaign. The injury forced her to miss the end of the summer season and coincides with an inconsistent run for her Welsh Fire team, which concludes its campaign against London Spirit on Wednesday.

New Zealand, the defending T20 World Cup champions, exited the tournament in June, marking Devine’s international farewell alongside teammates Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu. She expressed disappointment at missing a fairytale send-off with the White Ferns but swiftly returned to playing until her injury after four matches as captain of Welsh Fire.

Devine is currently undergoing rehabilitation, with an estimated recovery period of eight to 12 weeks. “It’s pretty frustrating,” she told Cricinfo regarding her setback. “Everyone knows injuries are part of sports, and I’ve been pretty lucky to not have too many bad ones… but I’ve done a fair job of the calf, tearing at a decent grade, 3C.” She is focused on ensuring a successful recovery, aspiring to participate in the WBBL season starting on October 29.

Having participated in all 11 seasons of the WBBL, Devine spent the first five years with Adelaide Strikers and the last six with Perth Scorchers. She highlighted the developmental potential within the Welsh Fire squad, which includes promising talents such as Sophia Smale, Grace Potts, and Grace Thompson. “When we were good, we were very good and when we were poor, we were very poor…We certainly were hoping for a bit better this tournament,” Devine stated, assessing the team’s 2026 season.

Despite taking on the role of captain, Devine remains involved with the Welsh Fire, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to support her teammates, especially as Georgia Wareham stepped in as captain. “I’ve absolutely loved my time. I would have loved to have been out on the park with them,” she reflected.

Devine’s commitment to both her recovery and her team is further exemplified by her involvement in KP Snacks’ Everyone In Fund, designed to enhance participation in cricket through the ECB’s Cricket Cities programme.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn