Reigning WBBL player of the final Marizanne Kapp to return to Perth Scorchers for second season

Perth Scorchers’ Women’s Big Bash League title defence has received a massive boost with last year’s player of the final Marizanne Kapp confirmed as their third and final import.

The experienced South African all-rounder said it was an easy decision to return for a second season after she enjoyed her debut campaign in orange.

Kapp starred with bat and ball in the WBBL07 decider at Optus Stadium, scoring a quickfire 31 not out before backing it up with a tight spell of 1-25 off four over against Adelaide to become a three-time WBBL champion after winning two with Sydney Sixers.

The 32-year-old took 12 wickets at an average of 21.33 and economy rate of 5.28 runs per over to go with 106 runs at 21.2, striking at more than 99, and got better as the tournament went on.

“I really enjoyed my time over there last year, it’s a really good bunch of players and coaching staff,” Kapp said.

“I was a bit nervous when I first started ... but I’m happy to have contributed towards the end, especially when it mattered.

“I didn’t think I would enjoy my time as much as I did.

“I’m not really someone who moves from club to club but I think that’s a testament to the good bunch of people over there.”

Kapp, who joins returning captain Sophie Devine and recently-signed New Zealand batter Maddy Green on the imports list, said Perth had the potential to contend again.

“You can’t look too far ahead,” Kapp said.

“If we focus on the back-end of the tournament you can probably get caught out a bit so we’ll start taking it one game at a time.

“If we play the same brand of cricket that we did last year, we should go a long way.”

Kapp scored a remarkable 150 in her first Test appearance for South Africa in eight years against England at Taunton last week and backed it up with an unbeaten second-innings 43.

Scorchers coach Shelley Nitschke was rapt to have Kapp back.

“We’re stoked to have Kappie back. She’s one of the best all-rounders in the world and she keeps getting better and better, particularly with her batting,” Nitschke said.

“She has been around for a while and is incredibly diligent with her preparation, making her such a good role model for those younger players coming through.

“Kappie also talks about the game well and pulls everyone along with her for the ride. It’s certainly exciting to have her on our team.”

The WBBL fixtures will be released on Thursday.