Jemimah Rodrigues crosses Melbourne to join the Stars

The India batter struck 333 runs in her maiden WBBL campaign in 2021-22 and returns to the city later this year

Melbourne Stars have signed up Jemimah Rodrigues for the Women's Big Bash League.

The India batter will cross the city for her second appearance in the eight-team competition after playing for the Renegades in 2021-22.

She scored 333 runs at 27.75 as Renegades reaches the Challenger, where they were beaten by eventual runners-up Adelaide Strikers.

Rodrigues will become the first Indian to represent Stars and is due to join up following the conclusion of the Asia Cup in Bangladesh.

The tournament is due to run between October 1-16 which likely rules her out of the first weekend of the WBBL. Stars kick off their campaign against Brisbane Heat on October 15.

^{Rodrigues represented Northern Superchargers in The Hundred before withdrawing due to injury (Julian Finney/Getty Images)}

"I am super excited to be a part of the Stars family," said the 22-year-old, who has 3,299 T20 runs. "I've been told that I'm the first-ever Indian to sign for the Stars and it is my honour to do so. 

"Melbourne has always been my favourite city in Australia and I can't wait to get back there!"

General manager Blair Crouch added: "We have a huge following in India and to add a player of Jemimah's quality to our squad is a huge coup for the club.

"I'm sure Jemimah will quickly become a fan favourite and we look forward to seeing her as part of the Stars Family in WBBL|08."

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