The Melbourne Renegades have laid down an emphatic marker in their bid to defend their Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title, re-signing foundation stars Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham on two-year deals that will see them in red until at least the end of WBBL 12.
Molineux and Wareham, Renegades stalwarts since the club’s inception, have been central to the team’s journey from perennial battlers to champions. Their new contracts, swiftly agreed upon, ensure two of Australia’s brightest cricketing talents remain the heartbeat of a squad primed for further glory.
“It really was (an easy decision), I didn’t think twice,” said skipper Sophie Molineux. “There wasn’t a decision-making process at all, as soon as it came in, I sent it back pretty quickly. It’s a real honour to play at the same club for a long time. We’ve made a lot of special memories along the way, especially over the past 12 months, and hopefully there’s more to come.”
Both players were pivotal in the Renegades’ stunning surge from last to first in WBBL 10, their performances anchoring the side’s maiden title. The pair were deservedly named in the official Team of the Tournament, highlighting their influence.
Sophie Molineux’s impact on the Renegades over nine seasons has been nothing short of remarkable. With the ball, she has claimed 94 wickets in 101 innings, boasting an impressive average of 23.31 and a tight economy rate of 6.67. Her knack for breakthroughs is highlighted by four four-wicket hauls. With the bat, Molineux has contributed 1,646 runs in 95 innings, maintaining a strike rate of 106.05 and an average of 20.83, including eight half-centuries that have often anchored the Renegades’ innings.
Georgia Wareham, meanwhile, has established herself as a dynamic leg-spin all-rounder for the club. She has picked up 59 wickets in 75 innings, with an average of 28.03 and an economy of 7.11, consistently providing crucial breakthroughs. With the bat, Wareham has scored 845 runs in 49 innings at an impressive strike rate of 126.11 and an average of 28.16. Her four half-centuries underscore her ability to change the game with the bat, making her a vital asset in both departments for the Renegades.
These signings come at a crucial time. The Renegades received a major setback earlier this month when global star Hayley Matthews was ruled out of the upcoming season due to shoulder surgery, just hours before the WBBL draft. In response, the club’s strategy has been patient and precise, signing only two overseas players so far and leaving a slot open to identify a “player in form leading into the WBBL,” according to T20 Performance Manager Wade Seccombe.
Despite losing Matthews and bid farewell to several off-contract players, the Renegades have balanced their squad with returning internationals Alice Capsey and Deandra Dottin, while welcoming allrounder Tess Flintoff from cross-town rivals Melbourne Stars.
Though currently recovering from knee surgery, Molineux remains on track for an ODI World Cup return in September. While she won’t join national captain Alyssa Healy in the Australia A series in August, Renegades fans can expect their inspirational leader firing on all cylinders when WBBL 11 gets underway.
As the Renegades gear up to defend their WBBL title, the re-signing of Molineux and Wareham is a statement of intent. With the club’s foundation fortified, and the next generation of stars roped in, Melbourne Renegades look set to remain a force in the WBBL for seasons to come.
(Quotes sourced from cricket.com.au)
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.