WBBL: Perth Scorchers teenager Chloe Ainsworth named league’s Young Gun at end-of-season awards

Perth Scorchers star Chloe Ainsworth has been crowned the WBBL’s Young Gun after leading the club’s attack this season. The Scorchers were bundled out and missed the finals after Saturday night’s defeat to Hobart Hurricanes at the WACA Ground, but Ainsworth’s season, which backed up a breakout campaign last summer, was a highlight. Ainsworth was Perth’s second-leading wicket-taker — behind the competition’s best Alana King — with 12 scalps at an average of 18.58 for the season. King was the league’s golden arm-winner with 20 wickets, while Ellyse Perry finished as the leading run-scorer. All three players come from teams that missed the finals. Ainsworth was also trusted with the bat this season, playing the early games as a No.8 above recognised all-rounder Amy Edgar. But the young gun’s new-ball assaults have her on the radar of national selectors, with the 19-year-old emerging as one of the most promising swing bowlers in the country. “Our congratulations go to each of Chloe Ainsworth, Ellyse Perry and Alana King for their stellar campaigns which have earned them the awards announced today,” Big Bash boss Alistair Dobson said. “As our tenth season comes to a close, it is fantastic to be acknowledging both youthful and experienced players for their on-field feats. “While all three players have enjoyed fantastic individual seasons, each represents a WBBL side that fell agonisingly short of finals action, demonstrating just how close and high quality the entire competition is.”