Take five with the Adelaide Strikers
In recent years, female cricketers have become important role models for young girls around the country.
As WBBL|11 ramps up for another year, Adelaide Strikers all-rounder Jemma Barsby has some advice for young girls looking to improve their cricket skills.
“Take the time to go down to the nets, even away from structured training, and hit hundreds of balls, but most importantly have fun,” Jemma says.
Strikers teammate Ellie Johnston echoes this sentiment saying hitting and throwing balls is the best way to get better.
“There’s not much more to it,” Ellie says.
“You need hard work and a bit of luck to go your way.”
The duo is part of the current Adelaide Strikers squad competing in the 2025-26 WBBL season.
Both Ellie and Jemma hail from Queensland, but now call South Australia home, playing for the Strikers and the state’s first-class side.
Ellie moved to Adelaide in 2024 from the Sunshine State after losing her contract with the Queensland state side.
“I moved down here with nothing and thankfully I picked up a contract a couple months later,” Ellie says. “The initial move was very challenging.”
Jemma played for the Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers before joining the Adelaide Strikers in 2021.
We had a quick chat to Jemma and Ellie about their time playing cricket in South Australia.
Quick-fire questions with Jemma and Ellie
sa move: Teammate with the quirkiest pre-game ritual?
Jemma: Bridget Patterson went through a phase of lighting a candle in the change room, just in her little area.
Ellie: Maddie Penna likes the energy drinks before every single game we play.
sa move: Best player you’ve played with or against?
Jemma: We’ve been lucky in the WBBL to have a lot of international players come over and play in our competition. Being a bowler, I’ve bowled against a few including Sophie Devine – she smacked me around a bit so she’s up there.
Ellie: I played with Amelia Kerr – she’s the queen of New Zealand cricket so that was pretty good.
sa move: Batting or bowling?
Jemma: Bowling – I feel like you get more chances.
Ellie: Batting! It’s a batter’s game – we’re the entertainment.
sa move: Funniest cricket moment?
Ellie: I was going for a catch in under 10s and we were taught to just put our legs together. The ball was nicked, and it just rolled up and into my hands – that was insane.
sa move: Favourite place to eat in Adelaide?
Jemma: Golden Boy, I take everyone there. I think I even took Ellie there.
Ellie: Golden Boy for sure.
sa move: Favourite holiday spot in South Australia?
Jemma: I love going to McLaren Vale and doing a day at the wineries – it’s pretty cool down there.
Ellie: Rapid Bay – I went there a bit last summer and it was pretty cool.