Purple patch continues for Manix-Geeves as 'keeper-bat resigns with Hurricanes

Callan Morse Published September 15, 2023 at 9.30am (AWST)

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Manix-Geeves top score of 20* in WBBL|07 came in the Hurricanes' loss to the Melbourne Stars at the Latrobe Recreation Ground. (Image: Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images)

The Hobart Hurricanes have announced the signing of Northern Tasmanian wicketkeeper-batter, Emma Manix-Geeves for the upcoming WBBL|08 season.

The proud Palawa woman returns to the Hurricanes on a one year deal following a breakout season with the Tasmanian Tigers in the 50-over Women's National Cricket League competition, having scored 298 runs at 37.25.

Despite limited opportunities with the bat in last season's edition of the WBBL with the Hurricanes, the Riverside Cricket Club product continued to refine her T20 craft for the Greater Northern Raiders in the Cricket Tasmania Premier League.

Last season at premier league level she led the league in both T20 runs (216 at 54.00) and overall runs (468 at 66.86), proving instrumental in the Raiders' first piece of CTPL silverware, the 2022-23 T20 title.

Manix-Geeves said she was eager to return to the Hurricanes setup and continue working on her T20 game.

"I'm really excited to be back on board as a Hurricane again this season," Manix-Geeves said.

"We obviously have so many experienced people within our Tigers squad, but in the WBBL with the overseas players, it's great to welcome even more people into the squad that we can learn from.

Manix-Geeves will likely share the 'keeping responsibilities with Hurricanes' South African import, Lizelle Lee.

*After scoring a match-winning century in last season's WNCL final, Manix-Geeves will be hoping to transfer her 50-over form into the T20 arena this summer. (Image: Steve Bell/Getty Images)*

"It's great that we have Lizelle back again this year," Manix-Geeves said.

"As a 'keeper-batter myself, she's such a great person for me to learn from, so that whenever further opportunity comes my way I'll be ready to go."

Hurricanes head coach, Jude Coleman, said she was eager to work with Manix-Geeves on her T20 game.

"We've done a little bit of T20 stuff so far this pre-season, but obviously most of the stuff I've been involved with EMG with has been in the 50-over form of the game," Coleman said.

"However, one thing about EMG is that she's always keen to learn and improve and seek out feedback wherever she can, so I'm looking forward to seeing how she takes that on this year and applies it when she gets her opportunity."

Manix Geeves joins Nicola Carey, Maisy Gibson, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Elyse Villani and overseas imports Shabnim Ismail, Bryony Smith and Lizelle Lee as players currently announced as Hurricanes contracted players WBBL|09.

The Hurricanes will begin WBBL|09 with a home fixture against the Perth Scorchers at Launceston's University of Tasmania Stadium on Friday 20 October.