The Melbourne Stars have strengthened their batting unit by signing English top order batter Maia Bouchier as an international replacement for the latter half of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 11. The 26-year-old steps in for Marizanne Kapp, who will depart after the Hobart Hurricanes game to join South Africa’s T20I side for their series against Ireland in December.
Clint McKay, Melbourne Stars T20 Performance Manager, welcomed the move, expressing confidence in what Bouchier brings to the group both on and off the field. “It’s always great to have international talent on your list, and Maia will bring a lot of class to our batting line up. She’s a familiar face for our group and it’ll be great to have her back at the Stars,” McKay stated.
An experienced right-handed batter, Bouchier’s composure and crisp stroke play have made her a valuable asset in England’s setup, where she has represented the team across all three formats. Her ability to adapt to different conditions and deliver under pressure makes her a versatile addition to the Stars’ batting order.
Maia Bouchier has shown impressive form in her most recent appearances for Hampshire in the Women’s One Day Cup 2025. In her last four matches, she recorded scores of 66, 2, 93* and 31. These performances underline her consistency and ability to deliver big runs under pressure, making her a valuable addition for the Stars in the backend of WBBL 11.
Bouchier’s signing marks a return to familiar territory. Having previously represented Melbourne Stars in WBBL 07 and WBBL 09, she has featured in 26 matches, scoring 401 runs at a strike rate of 104. Known for her reliability and ability to accelerate during the middle overs, she is expected to slot comfortably into the Stars’ top order alongside Meg Lanning, Annabel Sutherland, and Amy Jones.
Her return comes at a crucial point in the season, with the Stars gathering momentum after a string of noteworthy wins. The combination of experienced internationals and promising domestic players has helped them climb the standings, and Bouchier’s arrival adds further depth and stability to their batting lineup as they push for a place in the finals.
Away from the Big Bash, Bouchier has been a consistent performer in the English domestic circuit. Her flexibility to play both the anchor and aggressor’s role has been one of her strengths, making her a dependable figure in any team setup. She will wear the green once again and contribute to Melbourne Stars’ late season charge.
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