The Hobart Hurricanes have bolstered their WBBL squad following the re-signing of Queenslander Ruth Johnston ahead of WBBL|10.
Johnston re-signs with the Purple Army for two more seasons as she looks to help bring the Hurricanes their first piece of silverware in the WBBL.
“I'm super excited to be playing for the Hurricanes for two more seasons!
"They gave me an opportunity to play in the WBBL when I was young, so I am confident that I can help contribute to their success this year and in coming seasons," stated Johnston.
On debut as an 18-year-old in 2021, Johnston opened the batting with former Hurricanes captain Rachel Priest, and showed great composure as a young and upcoming talent.
Her first season saw great success as she scored 214 runs in 13 innings, with a top score of 63 off 46 deliveries against the Melbourne Renegades.
Johnston also had strong performances with the ball taking 13 wickets with one of the lowest economy rates in the WBBL at 6.14 runs per over, and best figures of 4-8.
Throughout WBBL|09, Johnston featured in every Hurricanes match, playing a major role in the middle to lower order of the Hurricanes batting line-up as she continued to dominate bowling units from around the country.
Johnston’s top score last season was 26 off 23 balls against her hometown team, the Brisbane Heat, where she was able to showcase her batting prowess in front of her family and friends in a match against her cousin, Ellie, who was part of the extended Heat squad last season.
The General Manager of High Performance at Cricket Tasmania, Salliann Beams, discussed Johnston’s high potential.
“We have seen Ruth perform fantastically for the Hurricanes across the past few seasons, and we know she is one of the best young talents on our list.
“She has always had a desire to continue to get better, and to have such a cool head in difficult situations, shows that she has experience beyond her years and will continue to play a key role for us in the coming years,” explained Beams.
Johnston joins Heather Graham, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Molly Strano and Rachel Trenaman as Hurricanes players under contract ahead of WBBL|10 as new signings and re-signings continue to be announced over the coming weeks.
Details on Hurricanes memberships will be communicated to Hurricanes members over the next few months.