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Lanning signs with Perth Scorchers

Injured skipper Meg Lanning signs with Perth following shock departure from the Stars

Perth Scorchers have secured the prized signature of Australia captain Meg Lanning for the next three Rebel WBBL seasons.

Lanning, who captained the Melbourne Stars in the first two editions of the Women’s Big Bash League, parted ways with the club earlier this week and her deal with the Scorchers will see her in orange until the end of the 2019-20 season.

While the world’s best batter, who led the run scoring in both WBBL seasons to date, has already been ruled out of WBBL|03 after undergoing shoulder surgery, the multi-year deal means Scorchers fans will have the chance to watch Lanning in action in WBBL|04 and WBBL|05.

“The Perth Scorchers are a great Club with a strong core of experienced and up-and-coming players, so it’s a really exciting opportunity for me to join the group,” Lanning said. 

“They made the semi-final in WBBL|01, then the Scorchers’ hosted the final last season, so they’re definitely a team on the rise, with a bright future ahead.

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“It’s obviously frustrating to be ruled out of this summer with injury, but I’m really looking forward to being around the team and contributing off the field, before getting on the park again for WBBL|04 and going for that Championship.” 

The Scorchers have yet to reveal any other signings for the upcoming WBBL season. In WBBL|02, they fielded arguably the strongest contingent of international players, with Australian-contracted players Elyse Villani and Nicole Bolton joined by star England new-ball pair Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole, alongside New Zealand captain Suzie Bates.

On Monday, the Stars announced the injured batter had elected not to renew her contract ahead of WBBL|03. 

"Whilst Meg’s decision to the leave the club is very disappointing, we remain absolutely confident that the team we’ve formed is united and committed to the club’s long term future success," Stars chief executive Clint Cooper said.

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"We thank Meg for her contribution to the club over the past two seasons and wish her and her family well for the future." 

Lanning is the third player to be confirmed for WBBL|03, with Brisbane Heat signing Australian opener Beth Mooney on a three-year deal, while rising allrounder Sophie Molineux has re-signed with the Melbourne Renegades.