With the 2022-23 edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) nearing, teams have been busy locking players for the tournament that’s scheduled to run from the 13th of October to the 20th of November. All of the 8 franchises are closing out on confirming their squad and in the process, a few of the best signings are grabbing headlines.
The most recent signing has been that of West Indies captain Hayley Matthews who’s landed in a deal with the Melbourne Renegades for the upcoming 8th edition of the Bash. The 24-year-old had previously featured in the Bash playing in Purple for the Hobart Hurricanes.
Hayley Matthews’ stint with the Hobart Hurricanes has seen her play 56 matches across 5 seasons which has her score 865 runs at an average of 18.05 and a strike rate of 98.18, the wickets column sees her with 41 wickets to her name. In national colours for West Indies in the format, she’s scored 1133 runs in 64 innings at an average of 18.27 and has got a strike rate of 105.29. She’s got 5 fifties and a century to her name with the highest score of 107*.
Hayley Matthews was a standout for her side early this year at the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, she’d scored 260 runs and claimed 10 wickets during the tournament. The 5th ranked all-rounder on International Cricket Council (ICC) T20I seedings, Hayley Matthews on her signing said, “I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited to be in a new team and wearing red this year with the Renegades.
“I love the city of Melbourne, it’s probably my favourite city in Australia. The opportunity to come over there and spend a couple of months, work with a really good coaching staff and be part of a group that has some pretty special players in it are good incentives for me.”
James Rosengarten, the General Manager of Melbourne Renegades said, “Hayley will be a great fit for our team and we’re delighted to have her commit to our club for this season. Alongside Harmanpreet Kaur, we see Hayley playing an important role in our top four. She brings a wealth of experience at the international level and in the WBBL.
“Hayley’s ability to impact the game with the bat, ball, and in the field, combined with her leadership attributes makes her an exciting addition to our team.
The 24-year-old has just finished her season with the Welsh Fire in The Hundred as she had commitments with the Barbados Royals to lead the side in the inaugural edition of the women’s Caribbean Premier League (W-CPL) and The 6ixty (60-ball) tournament which gets underway this week.
Melbourne Renegades squad (so far):
Sophie Molineux (C), Sarah Coyte, Josie Dooley, Ellie Falconer, Ella Hayward, Harmanpreet Kaur, Carly Leeson, Hayley Matthews, Rhiann O’Donnell, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb.