Sophie Devine's Comeback Plan: WBBL Return After Injury

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-08-12

Sophie Devine has her sights set on the Women's Big Bash League for her return to cricket, following a severe calf tear that cut short her Hundred campaign with Welsh Fire. The New Zealand captain went down just four games into the tournament, handing over the captaincy and watching the rest of the season from the sidelines. It's been a tough stretch for Devine. Her recovery timeline puts her on track to be fit for the WBBL, which starts on October 29. She's played in all 11 editions of the tournament — first with the Adelaide Strikers for five seasons, then the Perth Scorchers for the last six. Doctors say the injury, a grade 3C tear, will take between eight and 12 weeks to heal, and she's looking at a long rehab process. ### A Season Cut Short Devine's injury came at a tough point in her career. New Zealand had already been knocked out of the T20 World Cup group stage in June, marking the end of her international career alongside teammates Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu. She returned to action with Welsh Fire soon after, only for the calf injury to end her season early. She called the setback frustrating but noted she's largely avoided serious injuries throughout her career. Medical staff have told her this type of injury typically affects older athletes, so she's being careful to manage her recovery to avoid it becoming a recurring problem. The WBBL gives her a clear goal and a chance to rebuild her fitness properly before returning to competitive cricket. ### Young Talent Shines Despite Welsh Fire's Inconsistency Welsh Fire finished the 2026 Hundred season with an inconsistent record. Devine said the team's performances varied sharply, alternating between strong showings and poor ones with little consistency in between. But she pointed to several young players who impressed her throughout the campaign, singling out spinner Sophia Smale, seamer Grace Potts, and allrounder Grace Thompson. Potts' ability to bowl long spells in the powerplay stood out, both for her stamina and her control against batters. Devine also compared Thompson's technique and physical presence to Australia's Cam Green, calling her a player to watch in future seasons. ### Supporting the New Captain Despite her injury, Devine stayed with the Welsh Fire squad for the rest of the tournament rather than stepping away. Georgia Wareham took over as captain in her absence, and Devine praised her handling of the role, saying she wanted to stay and support the team through a difficult stretch. Devine, who joined Welsh Fire from Birmingham Phoenix as one of the tournament's highest earners, said she remains optimistic about the squad's long-term prospects if the core group stays together. She was speaking as part of her association with KP Snacks' Everyone In Fund, which supports the ECB's Cricket Cities programme. ### What's Next for Devine? With the WBBL on the horizon, Devine is focused on getting back to full fitness. She's been through a lot this year, but her determination hasn't wavered. The WBBL has always been a highlight for her, and she's eager to get back out there. For fans, it's a relief to know she's on track. Devine's experience and leadership will be crucial for the Perth Scorchers as they look to make another title run. And for the younger players she mentored at Welsh Fire, her guidance could prove invaluable. Cricket fans in the US can catch the WBBL action via streaming services, and it's shaping up to be another exciting season. Devine's return will be one of the storylines to watch.