The difficult season continues for Sri Lankan cricket star Chamari Athapaththu in Australia. After being retired out during a Women's Big Bash League (WBBL 12) match, the experienced batter has now been dropped from the Hobart Hurricanes squad and released from the team's contract list.

The Hurricanes, who have suffered five consecutive defeats, have made the decision in an attempt to revive their slim chances of reaching the tournament final. England spinner Linsey Smith, who has recovered from a quad injury, has been brought into the squad as Athapaththu's replacement.

The move comes just days after Hobart's match against the Adelaide Strikers on November 10, when Athapaththu was retired out following a slow innings.

Poor Form Leads to Athapaththu's Exit

Athapaththu, who won the Player of the Tournament award in 2023 while representing the Sydney Thunder, joined Hobart Hurricanes this season as a replacement for England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who withdrew shortly before the tournament.

However, she struggled to make an impact with the bat. Across five innings, the Sri Lankan captain managed just 39 runs at an average of 7.8 and a strike rate of 59. Her disappointing numbers ultimately led the franchise to leave her out of the squad.

Hobart Hurricanes head coach Jude Coleman admitted that retiring Athapaththu during a match and subsequently dropping her were among the most difficult decisions of his coaching career.

He explained that team selection is based on performance and that no player's position is guaranteed when results do not meet expectations. Coleman also praised Athapaththu for accepting the decision professionally, adding that the team had high hopes for her and recognised the effort she had put in despite her difficult run.

Hobart Hurricanes Face a Must-Win Situation

The Hurricanes are currently at the bottom of the WBBL 12 points table after losing five consecutive matches. Two of those defeats came on the final ball, making their difficult campaign even more frustrating.

With their hopes of reaching the final fading, the upcoming clash against Brisbane Heat has become crucial. Hobart will need a strong performance to keep its campaign alive.

Hobart Hurricanes Squad for the Brisbane Heat Match

• Nicola Carey (Captain)

• Heather Graham

• Mandy Green

• Chinelle Henry

• Ruth Johnston

• Lizelle Lee

• Isa Malgioglio

• Kate Pelley

• Hayley Silver-Holmes

• Lauren Smith

• Linsey Smith

• Molly Strano

• Rachel Trenaman

The inclusion of Linsey Smith is expected to strengthen Hobart's bowling options as the team looks to turn its season around. Meanwhile, Athapaththu's departure marks a disappointing chapter in what had been a highly anticipated WBBL campaign for the Sri Lankan star.