Annabelle Sutherland fetches the highest price at Women’s Premier League auction

Australian all-rounder Annabelle Sutherland has emerged as the biggest financial winner in the Women's Premier League auction after being snapped up by Delhi Capitals for $364,000.

Sutherland's 2 million fee for playing from late February to mid-March was the equal-highest price for 30 players bought out of the 165 nominated.

It's been a big year for Sutherland, who made the Women's Big Bash League team of the tournament last month, starred in the home One Day International series win over the West Indies and scored a maiden Test century during the Ashes.

The 22-year-old was the subject of a bidding war between Capitals and Mumbai Indians, with the former eventually shelling out big money for the quick. She will be joined in Delhi by fellow Victorian Meg Lanning and Queenslanders Jess Jonassen and Laura Harris, who were all retained by the franchise ahead of the auction.

He is now the second-highest paid Australian in the WPL's two-year history after fellow all-rounder Ashley Gardner spent more than $580,000 ahead of the inaugural tournament.

Sutherland was one of five Australians in this year's WPL auction, which saw nine international players selected across five franchises.

Batter Phoebe Litchfield was the fifth-most expensive international, picked up by the Gujarat giants for $182,000. He will soon be joined in Gujarat by Lauren Chittle, who has been called up to the international squad for the upcoming tour of India and now has extra reason to celebrate with a $55,000 contract. Gardner and Beth Mooney are both retained by the same franchise.

Spinner Georgia Wareham and Sophie Molyneux from Royal Challengers Bangalore were the other Australians selected at the auction, fetching $73,000 and $55,000 respectively.

Alana King, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Nicola Carey and Kim Garth were the most notable Australians nominated for auction but unsold. The WBBL's player of the tournament, Sri Lankan all-rounder Chamari Athapathu, was also overlooked.

The WPL has 30 spots for international players but most were taken by players retained by their franchises. Nine Australians suit up in the category, including Lanning, Gardner, Mooney, Elise Perry and new national captain Alyssa Healy.