Matthews back in red as Gades secure Windies star

The Melbourne Renegades have been given a welcome boost ahead of Weber WBBL|12, with West Indies captain Hayley Matthews to return to the club after signing a new one-year deal.

Matthews, one of the architects of the Renegades' title win in 2024 and the world's top-ranked T20I allrounder, was forced to pull out of last season's defence after shoulder surgery.

The off-spin bowling allrounder will strengthen the club's stocks with both bat and ball, while her leadership nous will again support skipper Sophie Molineux.

Matthews produced a career-best campaign in WBBL|10, scoring 324 runs at a strike rate of 130.6 and 14 wickets, a haul that earned selection in the WBBL|10 Team of the Tournament.

The 28-year-old saved her best for last, scoring a crucial 69 from 61 deliveries before snaring 2-24 to claim player-of-the-match honours in the Renegades' seven-run win over the Brisbane Heat in the decider at the MCG.

Matthews has made a successful return to the international stage since recovering from her shoulder surgery, helping the Windies make the T20 World Cup semi-finals in the UK in July before they were knocked out of the tournament by Molineux's Australians.

"Winning the championship with the Renegades was such a special experience and I'm really looking forward to being part of the group again," Matthews said in a statement.

"It was frustrating to miss last season, but I'm back to full fitness now and excited to get back to Melbourne and have another go at winning the title."

The West Indian is the first overseas player to be revealed by the club, who have already secured much of their strong local core, with Australia stars Molineux and Georgia Wareham already under contract for the upcoming season, alongside Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth and Courtney Webb.

They currently have one confirmed departure from the group that missed finals last season, after left-arm spinner Charis Bekker walked away from cricket earlier this year to pursue further education in the USA.

The Renegades also have a new mentor in charge this season, after Australia assistant Gavan Twining took over the head coaching role vacated by Simon Helmot. 

"Hayley is a world-class cricketer and we know the impact she can have on a team, both with the bat and ball," Twining said.

"She was a huge part of the championship campaign and we're delighted to have her back.

"Most importantly, she's healthy and ready to play, and we're really looking forward to seeing her in Renegades colours again."

The contract embargo for WBBL|12 was lifted late last month as a raft of changes to the signing system were confirmed. The overseas player draft was scrapped, and all signings will now be made directly between the club and player.

Clubs are also no longer required to sign three overseas players and can use those spots on locals if desired.

Contracted for WBBL|12: Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth, Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb

 

Outs: Charis Bekker 

 

Uncontracted: Sarah Coyte, Emma de Broughe, Sara Kennedy, Naomi Stalenberg, Tayla Vlaeminck

 

WBBL|11 overseas players: Alice Capsey (England), Deandra Dottin (West Indies), Davina Perrin (England), Issy Wong (England) 

 

Coach: Gavan Twining (new)