The Melbourne Renegades have strengthened their bowling department ahead of Women’s Big Bash League 11 season by re-signing promising left-arm fast bowler Sara Kennedy. The 18-year-old quick, who first featured for the Renegades as a replacement player during WBBL 09, returns to the side after an impressive year of growth at both state and national junior levels.
Kennedy’s first stint with the Renegades offered a glimpse of her potential. In 11 appearances during her debut season, she managed four wickets, but what truly caught attention was her calmness under pressure and ability to swing the new ball. Her standout moment came at the WACA, where she dismissed Maitlan Brown and Ashleigh Gardner in the same over, two high-quality scalps that underlined her natural ability to trouble top batters.
Since that debut season, Kennedy has been on a steady upward curve. Earlier this year, she earned a two-year contract with Tasmania in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), where she has been working on developing greater pace and consistency.
She also gained valuable international exposure as part of the Australia Under-19 squad that toured Sri Lanka, a trip that allowed her to adapt her bowling to different conditions and fine-tune her control. Those experiences have added layers to her game and maturity to her mindset, something that both the Renegades and national selectors have clearly recognised.
Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten said the decision to bring Kennedy back was an easy one. “Sara made a really strong impression during her first season and has continued to develop her game since then,” he said. “She’s got great potential, a brilliant attitude, and we’re excited to see how she performs this summer.”
Kennedy herself echoed the excitement, saying she was thrilled to rejoin the team where her professional journey began. “It’s really exciting to be back with the Renegades,” she said. “I learned so much in my first season, and I feel like I’ve grown a lot since then. I’m looking forward to contributing more this year.”
For Melbourne, the re-signing represents a blend of vision and investment in the future. Left-arm fast bowlers bring a unique angle and variety to the attack, and Kennedy’s ability to swing the ball early could prove crucial during power plays. At just 18, she already possesses the poise of a seasoned campaigner, and her composure is matched by a hunger to keep learning.
As WBBL 11 draws closer, Kennedy’s return is a timely boost for the Renegades and a sign of the growing depth in Australian women’s cricket. Her journey, from a promising teenager making her debut to an all-round professional honing her craft across formats, reflects the strength of the domestic system that continues to produce exceptional talent.
With experience now under her belt and confidence in her stride, Sara Kennedy’s second chapter with the Renegades could be the season that truly establishes her as one of the most exciting young quicks in the WBBL.
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