The Tasmanian Tigers are excited to announce the recruitment of Queenslander, Ruth Johnston to Tasmania’s list ahead of the 2024-25 season on a two-year deal.
Johnston is no stranger to Tasmanian cricket fans, having played for the Hobart Hurricanes over the past three WBBL seasons, and was part of the Queensland Fire squad that took on the Tigers in last year’s WNCL Final.
“The Tigers have been setting the standard for the WNCL for the past few seasons, and to have the chance to be part of the program was exciting.
“I love playing in Tasmania for the Hurricanes, so it has made the decision to move to the Tigers program an easy one!” explained Johnston.
At only 21 years of age, Johnston will be looking to solidify herself in Tasmania’s line-up as she continues to go from strength to strength with her attacking middle to lower-order batting and skilful off-spin bowling.
Johnston made her WNCL debut for Queensland during the 2022-23 season playing in eight of the Fire’s matchups, with best figures of 2-15 against Victoria.
With the ability to bat anywhere across the order, Johnston has had experience opening the batting, having done so for the entirety of WBBL|07 for the Hurricanes, before playing a different role in the middle to lower order, typically batting at number six or seven throughout WBBL|09.
Johnston’s bowling has given her teams plenty of joy and will provide the Tigers with another spin bowling option to their already talented spin bowling attack.
She also saw great success in the 2023-24 Queensland Premier Cricket Women’s 1st Grade competition for the Sunshine Coast, scoring 270 runs and taking 14 wickets despite missing several games due to WNCL and WBBL commitments.
Head Coach of the Tasmanian Tigers Women’s program, Jude Coleman, is delighted to have Johnston playing for the Tigers for the 2024-25 season.
“We can’t wait to have Ruth playing for us full-time in Tasmania throughout the year, she will be a fantastic addition to our squad with her attacking middle-order batting and clever off-spin bowling.
“She is still in the early stages of her cricket career and has had great exposure to high-pressure moments, where she was able to step up and show everyone the talent she possesses,” discussed Coleman.
Johnston joins the Tasmanian Tigers as one of our key signings ahead of the 2024-25 season as we look to win our fourth successive WNCL title.