Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
World Cup winning all-rounder Sophie Molineux and leading South African batter Lizelle Lee are among several signings for the Melbourne Renegades ahead of the rebel WBBL|06 season.
Molineux has signed a new two-year deal with the club, while top order batter Lee crosses to the Renegades after three seasons with the Melbourne Stars.
WBBL|05 squad members Carly Leeson, Courtney Neale and Makinley Blows have re-signed with the Renegades, while the club has also secured 16-year-old Ella Hayward.
Molineux was the Renegades Player of the Season in WBBL|04 and has played 53 games for the club since making her debut in WBBL|01.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity to remain at the Renegades for another two seasons,” Molineux said.
“It has been a special privilege to be a part of the club since the beginning of the WBBL. In that time it’s been a huge highlight to have formed some really incredible friendships with many people across the club.
“It feels as though every year the competition reaches a new standard and so it’s another exciting challenge for us this season. I’m very much looking forward to it.”
Lee made two centuries in her time with the Stars and has represented South Africa on 74 occasions in T20 internationals, including at the World Cup earlier this year.
“I’m thrilled to be heading back to the WBBL and joining a new team will provide some extra motivation,” Lee said.
“The Renegades have done well recently and hopefully I can make a positive impact. I’ve had the pleasure of playing against a lot of these players in the WBBL and internationally, but it’ll be nice to be on the same team this time.” Hayward – a top order batter and off-spin bowler – was a standout performer for Victoria at the under 18 National Championships last season where she scored 233 runs (3rd most overall) at an average of 46.8 and captured 17 wickets (second most overall) at 11.73.
Head Coach Lachlan Stevens said the presence of Molineux and Lee will help the younger squad members.
“Both players bring great experience from the international stage and we’ve seen what they can produce at WBBL level,” Stevens said.
“Sophie has got the skill and talent to impact games with bat and ball and Lizelle can be one of the hardest hitters in the game.”
The Renegades have now secured 12 players leaving three spots remaining, including room for two more international players.
The Renegades open the WBBL|06 season against Sydney Sixers on October 17.
Renegades WBBL squad (so far): Makinley Blows, Maitlan Brown, Josie Dooley, Jess Duffin, Ella Hayward, Lizelle Lee, Carly Leeson, Sophie Molineux, Courtney Neale, Molly Strano, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb.
