Carey to lead Hurricanes’ WBBL title defence

Nicola Carey has been named captain of the Hobart Hurricanes for their WBBL|12 title defence, replacing retired skipper Elyse Villani. The 33-year-old Australian international is the club's most-capped women's player and previously hit the winning runs to secure their maiden championship against Perth Scorchers. Teammate Heather Graham will serve as vice-captain for the upcoming campaign.

Carey leads a modified Hurricanes squad that will be without Villani, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and the injured Danni Wyatt-Hodge. New arrivals include Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, West Indies allrounder Chinelle Henry, Ella Hayward, and Kate Pelle. The Hurricanes begin their tournament on Thursday against the Melbourne Stars at Junction Oval.