Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
The Melbourne Renegades has secured their first international signing of the season, with star all-rounder Hayley Matthews committing to the club on a one-year deal.
Matthews – Wisden’s reigning T20 Cricketer of the Year – rejoins the Renegades under the league’s new contract provision which grants clubs the opportunity of signing overseas players ahead of the draft.
Matthews’ sought-after signature will see the West Indies skipper play out a third consecutive season with the Renegades.
“I’m super excited to be back with the girls; I’m confident I can play a massive role within the team and help put up some really good performances and hopefully lead us to a finals series,” she said.
“I’ve built some really strong bonds and relationship at the Renegades over the past couple of years. The main thing I can appreciate about this club is the way they bring me in and make me feel so welcome. I can step back in to what feels like a massive family.
“We haven’t achieved what we’ve wanted to the last couple of years but with some key members back and some new additions cooking up as well, I’m confident we can go out there and put it all together.”
Melbourne Renegades’ WBBL|10 Squad (to date):
Sophie Molineux (captain), Josie Dooley, Ella Hayward, Hayley Matthews, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb.
Matthews credentials speak for themselves.
The 26-year-old has represented the West Indies 180 times in the white ball format including 47 as captain.
Her leadership at the top level has been sound, shouldering the responsibility with the bat – a prolific run scorer, amassing 2339 runs at 25.7 in T20I cricket – while she’s often called upon to bowl her off-spin in critical periods in the game.
Her last two seasons with the Renegades have followed this trend, with Matthews stepping up in the absence of an injured Sophie Molineux as WBBL|09 captain and that all-important power-play bowler.
Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten, identified Matthews as a key target for the club’s pre-draft list spot.
“We’re delighted to have Hayley with us for another season,” he said.
“She’s an incredible all-round cricketer and leader, we can’t wait to see what she can bring this season with bat and ball.
“She brings so much to the Renegades and we’re very happy to secure such in demand player prior to the draft.”
Matthews’ arrival sees the Renegades part with their Platinum selection (Pick #3) in this year’s WBBL draft, leaving picks #11, #22 and #27 to utilise and add further international quality to the playing list for Season 10.
