Stars re-sign English pair, but Kapp won't feature in WBBL|12

Melbourne Stars have pulled off a signing coup, landing England duo Dani Gibson and Amy Jones for Weber WBBL|12, but their all-round stocks have taken a hit with South Africa's Marizanne Kapp withdrawing from the upcoming season.

Experienced keeper-batter Jones will be back behind the stumps after finishing as the club's second-highest run scorer in 2025, while pace-bowling allrounder Gibson returns for a third season in green.

Kapp, who joined the Stars on a three-year deal ahead of WBBL|10, has meanwhile opted out of the final year of her contract to focus on international duties.

The Proteas are due to play a rare Test against India starting on December 9, just four days after WBBL|12, as part of a multi-format series that will also feature three ODIs and three T20Is.

It's the start of a busy run for South Africa's women, who will compete in the inaugural women's Champions Trophy in February before hosting Australia in an historic multi-format series in March-April.

Kapp, who has featured in all 11 previous WBBL seasons across four clubs, had an interrupted start to 2026, missing games against India and Pakistan due to illness and injury.

She also missed the final two matches of the Stars' WBBL|11 season due to international commitments, with fellow Proteas Laura Wolvaardt (Strikers) and Nadine de Klerk (Heat) also forced to leave before the end of the home-and-away season.

Wolvaardt is currently the only South African contracted for the upcoming season, with the impact December's Test against India may have on her stint with the Strikers currently unclear.

Stars general manager James Rosengarten said the club would miss Kapp's contributions but respected her decision.

"We are of course disappointed to be without someone of Marizanne's calibre this season," Rosengarten said in a statement.

"She is one of the world's finest all-round players but we understand her priorities at this stage and it will present another list opportunity for the Stars."

Despite Kapp's absence, the Stars still boast one of the stronger pace attacks in the league, led by Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland alongside Gibson and local allrounder Rhys McKenna.

Jones will again bolster a batting line-up that features Sutherland alongside former Australia captain Meg Lanning, while Gibson will slot into the middle order.

"It was a priority for us to have both Dani and Amy return this season, so we're really pleased with this outcome," Rosengarten said.

"They are both very talented cricketers in multiple ways, which is so valuable in this format.

"We are bolstering our batting line-up with two different skillsets, while also gaining a wicketkeeper and bowler.

"They both really enjoyed their time in Melbourne which is a great sign for our club and they're committed to having success here."

With a maximum of one overseas slot left to fill, the Stars could target someone to bolster their spin attack following off-spinner Ella Hayward's move to the Hurricanes. Left-armer Sophie Day is on board for WBBL|12, while Maisy Gibson is out of contract.

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.

Coach: Richard Pyrah

 

Contracted for WBBL|12:  Sophie Day, Kim Garth, Dani Gibson (England), Amy Jones (England), Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Indigo Noble, Annabel Sutherland 

 

Out: Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Ella Hayward (Hurricanes)

 

Uncontracted: Maisy Gibson, Sasha Moloney, Ines McKeon, Georgia Prestwidge, Sophie Reid, Maia Bouchier (England - ORP)