‘Sky’s the limit’: Full preseason sets Ainsworth up for WBBL|12

Perth Scorchers pace bowler Chloe Ainsworth is excelling in WBBL|12 after completing her first injury-free preseason. The 21-year-old quick has claimed first-ball dismissals in consecutive matches, removing Georgia Voll at Drummoyne Oval and Rhys McKenna at Junction Oval. Since debuting in 2023, Ainsworth leads the competition with nine first-over wickets across 24 innings opening the bowling.

Cricket Australia awarded Ainsworth a national contract for the 2026-27 season despite her having never played in an Australian squad. Scorchers head coach Becky Grundy praised Ainsworth's resilience following past injury struggles, noting that the sky is the limit for the right-arm bowler with both bat and ball.