Once inspired by her hero Mitchell Johnson terrorising batters on the famed WACA pitch, one-time Test quick Stella Campbell hopes a move to Perth Scorchers in the WBBL can help rejuvenate a promising career stalled by injuries.

Campbell, 21, signed a two-year deal with Scorchers after 45 matches with Sydney Sixers, for whom she took 21 wickets at 30.81. In her brief career, she has built a reputation as arguably the quickest bowler in Australia. At a towering six feet (1.84m), and capable of hitting speeds over 120kph, Campbell appears perfectly suited for a traditional WACA pitch, where her steep bounce and sharp pace could prove particularly threatening.

Having been lured west somewhat by WACA lore, Campbell will be hoping some spice is injected into the pitch with the ongoing Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and Tasmania being played on a dull surface.

“That [WACA pitch] was a big pull to why I came to Perth,” Campbell said on Tuesday. “It’s always known as a fast, bouncy wicket, so I’m looking forward to playing [there].”

After admitting to initially getting into cricket to “get a day off school”, Campbell enjoyed a whirlwind rise, with her innate speed quickly capturing the attention of national selectors. At 19, Campbell made her international debut in an ODI against India in September 2021 in Mackay. A week later, she impressed in the Test in Canberra, where claimed the wickets of Deepti Sharma and Tanya Bhatia.

Being around Australia’s senior players provided Campbell with an insight into “what it takes to be a professional cricketer”.

“They’re the best at what they do, very meticulous in their preparation,” she said. “[That] really highlights what it takes to be at the top level.”

But a serious back injury, sidelining her for six months, halted Campbell’s progress, and she has been getting her body right ever since.

“I’ve had those injury struggles, but have had a good pre-season. The body is fit and strong,” she said. “[Didn’t change] not much technically, [focused on] getting my strength back.”

Having trained with Scorchers for the first time on Monday, Campbell is set to be an X-factor for a pace attack featuring experienced bowlers such as Taneale Peschel, Piepa Cleary and captain Sophie Devine. Scorchers, who last season missed the finals in their title defence, face Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston on Friday to open the season.

“At this time of my career, I needed a little bit of a refresh and something different,” Campbell said. “Hopefully it progresses me to that next level. That’s [international cricket] something I want to do in my career.”

Soon enough, Campbell will be unleashed at the WACA, where she can emulate her childhood hero Johnson.

“He was someone that I looked up to when I was younger, very excited to get out there and mimic him,” she said. “It’s a good opportunity, and I’m just really excited.”