Dane van Niekerk joins Adelaide Strikers as Susie Bates is ruled out

Nell Bryson-Smith is also signed up as the 2019-20 runners-up come close to completing their squad

Adelaide Strikers have signed up Dane van Niekerk for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League following news Susie Bates will miss the competition.

New Zealander Bates has withdrawn due to travel uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I love this club; I love playing for the Strikers so it was not an easy decision, but I look forward to following and supporting the team as best I can," she said.

However, the Strikers have confirmed the capture of Van Niekerk following five years with Sydney Sixers.

The 28-year-old has scored 961 runs in WBBL history - she spent a term with Melbourne Renegades in 2015-16 - and recently led Oval Invincibles to victory in the inaugural women's Hundred.

WBBL 07 SQUADS: All player lists for Women's Big Bash 2021

Head coach Luke Williams said: "It is no coincidence that Dané has played in and captained winning teams, she leads by example and always performs on the biggest stages. Dané comes to Australia in incredible form off the back of The Hundred and South Africa’s tour of the West Indies and we can’t wait to see her take the field as a Striker."

Nell Bryson-Smith joins the squad following time with Hobart Hurricanes as a replacement player.

Williams said of the left-armer, who is currently in quarantine in Hobart: “Nell will be a wonderful acquisition for our squad, both on and off the field. We identified a need within our list for a talented left-arm orthodox bowler and Nell fills that need perfectly.

"We know she will bring plenty to our side throughout WBBL|07, and we couldn’t be more impressed with how she has undertaken the process of quarantining in preparation for the tournament.”