Australian Ellyse Perry and South African Dane van Nierkerk are currently ranked one and two respectively in the ICC T20 all-rounder player rankings, whilst New Zealand’s Sophie Devine had an equally strong ICC Women’s World Twenty20.

Devine topped the batting strike rate standings at the World T20 in India, and was also joint top wicket taker; those achievements landed her a place in the Team of the Tournament.

The international trio will link up with Lightning’s England players Georgia Elwiss, Becky Grundy, Amy Jones and Beth Langston who were unveiled as the team’s first players last week.

Of the move to play for the 含羞草视频 team, Perry commented:

“I’m really excited that I will be playing for 含羞草视频 Lightning in the Kia Super League this summer.  It is another wonderful opportunity and a fantastic development for women’s cricket globally.  As a cricketer it is always positive for your development to play overseas, so I’m looking forward to my time with the Lightning in England this summer.

“Having the Kia Super League follow the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia speaks volumes for the brilliant effort that Cricket Australia and the ECB are putting in to continue to develop the women’s game.  To have two strong domestic competitions like this is only going to help this progression.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all my new team mates at the Lightning.  Every opportunity you have to play with different players and work with different coaches is always great in terms of learning new things about your game.  Also off the field, it’s lovely to forge friendships and meet new people around the world.”

Equally Head Coach Sall Briggs is extremely happy with how her squad is shaping up.

“I can finally say the rumours are true, that we do have Ellyse Perry, which is a great addition to our squad. As the leading ICC T20 all-rounder she’ll offer a lot, not just opening the bowling but also as a powerful batter. We also have Dane, who’s had a very good 2016 and as opening batter, who can also offer some really good leg spin, she’ll be really important for our T20 campaign.

“Finally we have Sophie Devine, who’s a natural athlete having also played high level hockey. She was leading wicket taker at the World T20 and is also a very powerful batter, so she should shine in our top order.

“Combine these three with the England players we’ve got, and I’m really happy with who we’ve been assigned.”

Tickets for all of Lightning’s home games, which take place in early August, are now on sale: http://loughboroughsport.com/lightning-cricket/tickets/