Melbourne Stars have confirmed that Maisy Gibson and Georgia Prestwidge will stay with the club for the Women’s Big Bash League season. Both bowlers played in every match last year, and their return gives the team faces with experience in the competition. The pair have recommitted for WBBL 12 as Melbourne continues to shape its squad. The Stars want to build on last season’s progress, and keeping these two players is an important part of maintaining the group.
James Rosengarten, Melbourne Stars General Manager, said the club was pleased to have both players back for another campaign. “We are really pleased to be welcoming Maisy and Georgia back for another season,” he said. He also explained that retaining many of the existing players was a priority as the team looks to move forward. “It was important for us to keep a large portion of our list together and build on the progress we made last season, so to have two senior players return is a great thing for the club.”
Gibson is returning for her third season in green. Before joining Melbourne, she played for the Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes, and she has made 96 appearances in the WBBL. The leg-spinner claimed eight wickets last season at an average of 18.75. Her experience in the competition and ability to trouble batters with spin give the Stars another bowling option. Melbourne will again be able to call on her skills during the upcoming season.
Rosengarten also described what Gibson and Prestwidge bring to the team. He pointed to Gibson’s success in the competition and her ability to challenge batters with spin, while also noting Prestwidge’s pace and hitting ability. “Maisy has had a lot of success in this competition over a long period of time and really troubles batters with her spin, while Georgia has genuine pace and can find the boundary with the bat as well,” he said. Their different strengths offer Melbourne options in both departments.
Prestwidge will play her second season with the Stars after joining from local rivals Melbourne Renegades ahead of WBBL 11. The 28-year-old has played 87 WBBL matches. Her best bowling figures are 4/12, and her highest score with the bat is 23 not out. She brings genuine speed to the bowling attack and can also contribute runs, giving the Stars another player who can help with both parts of the game.
The two re-signings bring Melbourne’s contracted squad to 12 players for WBBL 12, with three places remaining. The club still has to complete its 15-player list before the season begins. Since both bowlers played every game last year, their return also helps the Stars keep continuity in the squad. Melbourne will aim to carry forward the progress it made last season while finalising the remaining positions and preparing for another WBBL campaign.
Melbourne Stars contracted players for WBBL 12:
Sophie Day, Charlie Dean, Kim Garth, Dani Gibson, Maisy Gibson, Amy Jones, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Indigo Noble, Georgia Prestwidge, Zoe Samuel, Annabel Sutherland
Gibson and Prestwidge return with different strengths that can support the Stars throughout WBBL 12. Gibson offers leg-spin, while Prestwidge brings pace and the ability to score with the bat. Both featured in every match last season, and their recommitments help Melbourne retain experienced players as it builds its squad. With 12 players contracted and three positions still available, the club’s list is not yet complete. The Stars will look to build on last season’s progress as they prepare for the next campaign and work towards finalising their squad.
On a mission to promote women’s cricket around the world! Follow our story: