The Melbourne Stars have completed their squad for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL 12), signing young wicketkeeper-batter Tia Davidge on the eve of the new season. The 21-year-old Victorian talent joins the Stars as they prepare for their opening clash against the Hobart Hurricanes at Junction Oval, adding further depth and versatility to the franchise’s lineup ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.
Davidge is an attacking right-handed batter whose approach is well suited to the fast-paced demands of T20 cricket. Her ability to contribute with the bat and behind the stumps offers the Melbourne Stars another option as they look to build a competitive squad for the tournament. The late signing also presents an exciting opportunity for the youngster to develop within a professional setup and make her mark in one of Australia’s leading domestic women’s cricket competitions.
Melbourne Stars General Manager James Rosengarten welcomed Davidge’s arrival, describing the signing as a valuable opportunity for a young Victorian player who has earned recognition through her performances at Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies. Her progress over recent seasons has helped her secure a place in the Stars’ squad, and the franchise is keen to see how she develops throughout WBBL 12. The move reflects the club’s commitment to identifying emerging local talent and providing players with opportunities to progress to the highest levels of domestic T20 cricket.
Davidge is not entirely new to the Victorian cricketing environment, having previously been part of the Victorian Emerging Squad alongside current Melbourne Stars teammates Indigo Noble and Zoe Samuel. That existing connection could help her settle into the group as she prepares for the challenges of her new campaign. Training and competing alongside familiar teammates may also support her transition into the WBBL environment, where the demands of consistent performances and adapting to different match situations can be significant.
Beyond cricket, Davidge has also demonstrated her sporting versatility through Australian Rules football. She previously represented Essendon’s VFLW side, highlighting her experience across two competitive sporting environments. Her background in multiple sports adds another dimension to her profile as she begins this new chapter with the Melbourne Stars. The franchise will hope that her athletic ability, attacking batting style and wicketkeeping skills translate into valuable contributions during the tournament.
With Davidge’s signing, the Melbourne Stars have finalised their 15-player roster for WBBL 12. The squad features a strong mix of international experience, established Australian players and emerging talent. Meg Lanning will lead the side as captain, while the roster also includes Annabel Sutherland, Kim Garth, Amy Jones, Charlie Dean, Dani Gibson, Maisy Gibson, Sophie Day, Carly Leeson, Rhys McKenna, Georgia Prestwidge, Naomi Stalenberg, Indigo Noble and Zoe Samuel.
The completed squad gives the Stars several options across their batting and bowling departments as they prepare for a demanding season. A 13-player squad for the opening match against the Hobart Hurricanes is scheduled to be announced at 5 pm ahead of the contest.
As the Melbourne Stars begin their WBBL 12 campaign, Davidge’s inclusion provides an additional player to watch, particularly as she looks to convert her performances at the domestic level into opportunities on the Big Bash stage. With the season starting at Junction Oval, the young wicketkeeper-batter will be eager to make the most of her chance and contribute to the Stars’ ambitions in the Women’s Big Bash League.
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