West Indies women’s team captain Hayley Matthews is set to rejoin the Melbourne Renegades after the club signed her to a one-year deal as a pre-draft selection.
Last season, Matthews arrived with significant excitement, being selected as the third pick in the draft. Her inclusion followed impressive performances for the West Indies, highlighted by a memorable innings against Australia at North Sydney Oval.
Matthews’ return marks a significant move for the Renegades, reinforcing their lineup with her proven skills and leadership as they prepare for the upcoming season.
“We haven’t achieved..” Hayley Mathhews on Melbourne Renegades
Despite her previous good records, Matthews struggled during the last season, scoring 255 runs at an average of 19.61. She also had a strike-rate of 114.34. The Renegades had a disappointing campaign, finishing at the bottom with only two wins.
However, Matthews did manage to end as their joint-leading wicket-taker, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 27.64.
“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,” Matthews said.
The Renegades’ prospects for the 2024-25 season are looking up with Sophie Molineux set to return from injury, bolstering their lineup. However, Tayla Vlaeminck, who missed the entire previous campaign, is currently not under contract, raising questions about her future with the team.
Hayley Matthews becomes 4th overseas pre-draft sign
Matthews becomes the fourth overseas player signed before the WBBL draft, joining Amelia Kerr (Sydney Sixers), Nadine de Klerk (Brisbane Heat), and Marizanne Kapp (Melbourne Stars).In local transfers, Sydney’s teams have strengthened their fast-bowling options.
Courtney Sippel, selected for Australia A against India A, shifts from Heat to Sixers on a three-year deal, while Taneale Peschel moves from Scorchers to Thunder.
Why Taneale Peschel left Perth Scorchers
Taneale Peschel is no longer a part of the Perth Scorchers womens. Speaking on her move to Thunder, Taneale said,
“At the Scorchers, I’ve been given…every opportunity, but I felt like I’d been stagnant for the last season or two,” Peschel said. “I always play the safe card and I’ve always stayed in WA and thought, okay, I’m still getting opportunity, I’ll stay here. I think just this year, something clicked.”
I thought, I’ve got to try something else. I’ve got to stop playing a safe card. Who knows what something like a change to another team can offer my career.” She added.
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