The Melbourne Stars have confirmed the return of Dani Gibson and Amy Jones for Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12, giving their squad two international players. The English duo joined the club last season and quickly became important parts of the team. Both players added quality to the Stars’ batting group and also offered useful skills in other areas. Their return gives Melbourne continuity ahead of another WBBL campaign. The club will again have two players who made an impact during their first season.
Jones became a dependable number three for the Stars in 2025 and finished the season with 234 runs from 11 matches. Her highest score was 59. The 33-year-old was also valuable behind the stumps and is regarded as one of the best wicket keepers in the world. She brings international experience, having played 128 T20 matches for England. Her return gives Melbourne an experienced batter and wicketkeeper for the upcoming season.
Gibson can contribute in both departments. The 25-year-old has represented England in 35 T20 matches and was one of the league’s strong power hitters last tournament. She scored 170 runs and hit the boundary 26 times, finishing with an impressive strike rate of 139.34. Gibson will also give the Stars another seam-up bowling option during WBBL|12. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the side another useful option.
The Stars’ General Manager, James Rosengarten, said keeping both players was an important part of the team’s plans for the new season. “It was a priority for us to have both Dani and Amy return this season, so we’re really pleased with this outcome,” Rosengarten said. Their previous season has shown the club what both players can offer. Their return also means the Stars can continue building around players who have already made an impact for the side.
Rosengarten also highlighted the different skills that Gibson and Jones bring to the team. “They are both very talented cricketers in multiple ways, which is so valuable in this format. We are bolstering our batting line-up with two different skillsets, while also gaining a wicket keeper and bowler.” He also said that both players enjoyed their time in Melbourne and remain committed to helping the club achieve success. Their different roles make their return valuable.
Marizanne Kapp Opts Out of WBBL 12
Melbourne will not have Marizanne Kapp available this season. The all-rounder has decided to withdraw from the competition because of her international commitments with South Africa. Her schedule begins with a Test match against India on December 9, which is just four days after the WBBL concludes. The Stars will miss Kapp’s contribution, but understand her decision. “We are of course disappointed to be without someone of Marizanne’s calibre this season,” he said.
Rosengarten also explained that Kapp’s absence will create another opportunity within the Stars’ squad. “She is one of the world’s finest all-round players but we understand her priorities at this stage and it will present another list opportunity for the Stars.” With Kapp unavailable, the Stars will have the chance to sign one more international player before the WBBL season. This gives the team another chance to strengthen its squad.
Melbourne Stars Contracted Players for WBBL 12
Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Day, Kim Garth, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Indigo Noble
The return of Gibson and Jones gives the Stars two international players, while Kapp’s absence leaves room for another overseas signing. Melbourne will now look to use that opportunity carefully as it builds its squad for WBBL 12. With two returning players already confirmed, the Stars have a clear base to work from ahead of the season.
The Stars will now have time to prepare their final squad for the tournament. The remaining international spot could help cover Kapp’s absence. Gibson and Jones will return with knowledge of the club and the competition. Their performances give Melbourne two useful options. The team will now focus on building from this group ahead.
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