Nicole Faltum appointed captain of Melbourne Stars

Regular captain Meg Lanning is unavailable for WBBL08 as she is currently taking a break from cricket

Nicole Faltum has been named captain of Melbourne Stars ahead of the 2022/23 Women's Big Bash.

The wicketkeeper is standing in for Australia captain Meg Lanning, who is currently taking a break from cricket.

Lanning stepped away from the sport in August after leading Australia to Commonwealth gold and will not take part in WBBL08.

The 22-year-old, who has previously deputised for Lanning at Victoria in the WNCL, will become the fifth player to lead the Stars after Lanning, Kristen Beams, Elyse Villani and Erin Osborne.

^{Faltum has previously deputised for Lanning at Victoria [Daniel Pockett/Getty Images]}

Faltum has made 53 appearances for Melbourne Stars, scoring 112 runs in 21 innings and completing 28 dismissals (14 catches, 14 stumpings).

Commenting on being appointed captain, Faltum said: "It's an honour to be named captain of the Melbourne Stars for WBBL08. This club means a lot to me and I'm so grateful to be given this opportunity.

"The WBBL is always an exciting time of year and I'm looking forward to leading our young group this season, especially back in Victoria in front of our members and fans.

"To be able to not only play but also to captain the Stars around the corner from where I grew up playing cricket will be an absolute highlight of my career so far."

General manager, Blair Crouch, added: "Nicole is a product of both the Melbourne Stars and Victorian cricket systems, and we have every confidence in her leading our young squad in WBBL08.

"I look forward to seeing Nicole grow into the role throughout the season and her teammates and coaching staff are right behind her."

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