Stars sign England vice-captain to round out overseas signings

England vice-captain Charlie Dean will appear in the Big Bash for the first time this summer after signing with the Melbourne Stars for Weber WBBL|12.

Dean, who recently skippered her country to an ODI series sweep over Ireland while filling in for Natalie Sciver-Brunt, has penned a one-year deal with the club.

The 25-year-old will boost the Stars' spin stocks with her offies, while also adding depth to their batting order and leadership experience.

With five years of international experience and 120 England appearances to her name, Dean has taken 77 T20I wickets at an average of 18.32.

Her signing rounds out an all-English contingent of overseas players at the Stars this season, as she joins national teammates Amy Jones and Dani Gibson in green.

"I can’t wait to get started with the Stars and play in the Big Bash for the first time," Dean said.

"It’s such a high standard competition and the timing is right for me to be a part of it this season.

"I know a lot of the Stars girls already and I think the playing group is looking really strong.

"It should be a lot of fun and hopefully we can have some success."

Dean is the second spinner contracted by the Stars for WBBL|12, joining experienced local left-armer Sophie Day.

She fills the overseas slot left vacant by Proteas allrounder Marizanne Kapp, who withdrew from the upcoming season to focus on international commitments following a year interrupted by injuries, and with South Africa due to meet India in a Test starting four days after the WBBL final.

Despite Kapp's departure, the Stars will have an enviable pace line-up spearheaded by Aussie stars Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland and backed up by Gibson and Rhys McKenna, while Sutherland and Jones will join Meg Lanning in an experienced top order.

Dean's addition also continued a strong English flavour to this year's WBBL imports – of 13 confirmed signings so far, eight are from England, alongside two West Indians – Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin both signing with the Renegades – and Ireland's Orla Prendergast, who has joined the Heat.

South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt is on a multi-year deal with the Strikers, as is Kiwi Amelia Kerr with the Sixers.

Coach: Richard Pyrah (new)

 

List spots filled: 9

 

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

 

Out: Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Maia Bouchier (England)

 

Uncontracted: Maisy Gibson, Sasha Moloney, Ines McKeon, Georgia Prestwidge, Sophie Reid