Paul Walter, the left-arm seamer who played a crucial role in Brisbane Heat's title-winning campaign last season, could be set for a return to the Big Bash League (BBL). Walter, known for his impactful bowling and big-hitting, has been included in the latest batch of nominations for next month's draft.
Walter became a fan favourite last season, taking 17 wickets while celebrating with his signature aeroplane gesture, earning him a spot in the team of the tournament as voted by the eight head coaches. Brisbane Heat have retention rights for Walter, meaning they can bring him back if another team attempts to draft him. His full availability, including for the finals, makes him an appealing option for the team once again. His addition would continue to bolster Heat's varied attack, which includes Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, along with spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Mitchell Swepson.
"I think we have the best bowling unit in the competition," Walter told ESPNcricinfo during last season. "I feel like I complement the rest of the attack well, and we’ve managed games effectively. Kuhny and Sweppo have bowled so well through the middle overs that teams have often targeted me, which works for my style of bowling."
Walter also highlighted the adjustments he’s made to his defensive bowling, focusing on limiting runs and controlling where batters play their shots. "I usually bowl in scenarios where right-handers are hitting toward the short leg-side boundary, so I’ve had to get creative in forcing them to hit to the other side. A lot of my preparation involves strategizing how to handle different situations."
The latest draft nominations are dominated by English cricketers, though many of them will only be available for six to nine games due to overlapping commitments. England’s Test series in New Zealand ends shortly after the BBL begins, and their limited-overs tour of India starts in late January, affecting player availability. Despite this, several players could attract interest, including Olly Stone, Dan Lawrence, Jordan Cox, and Joe Clarke. Rehan Ahmed, who was initially drafted by Sydney Sixers last season before withdrawing due to international commitments, has also been nominated again.
Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim, retained by Melbourne Stars, and slinky fast bowler Zaman Khan, who played for Sydney Thunder last season, both have full availability.
On the women’s side, English players are also prominent in the latest WBBL draft nominations. Dani Gibson, who played a key role in the recent Hundred final and was praised by England captain Heather Knight, impressed for Adelaide Strikers last season with a strike rate of 147.43 in the middle order and ten wickets. Although currently listed as fully available, her participation may be limited by England’s T20I series against South Africa, which overlaps with the WBBL finals.
"We saw her play a reverse sweep to win the game against Australia at Lord’s last year, and that’s the kind of mindset we want—fearless and ready to take risks. Dani embodies that," Knight said.
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, a regular for the Strikers, was initially fully available but now has a window of six to nine games due to international commitments.
The Adelaide Strikers are the only WBBL team yet to announce a pre-draft signing, though they are expected to do so next week. Each club in the BBL and WBBL can secure one player ahead of the draft, and can use their retention option once during the draft, but only if they have not already selected the player in the relevant round.