Melbourne Renegades' record in the WBBL is far from inspiring. Can a superstar overseas batting trio change that this year? MATTHEW LUDDINGTON takes a look at the how the squad is shaping up going into the new season
Melbourne Renegades suffered a major setback with news that captain Sophie Molineux has been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, however West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has been confirmed as leading the side.
Matthews is in scintillating form: she scored 99 not out, 132 and 79 and in consecutive T20Is against Australia and took five wickets.
The Renegades have never won a playoff game in the WBBL in the eight seasons to date.
With an experienced squad full of international quality, fans will be hoping this is the year they finally leave their mark on the competition.
Coach: Simon Helmot
Captain: Hayley Matthews
How strong is the batting?
The team's batting was mediocre last season, prompting Helmot's decision to combine England international Tammy Beaumont, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and Matthews as overseas players. Beaumont and Matthews opened together for Welsh Fire in The Hundred this summer, and are expected to do so again.
They have the ability to score boundaries at will, and form a formidable partnership that can dominate powerplays.
Kaur's inclusion adds stability to the top order, she is a remarkably consistent, and has scored 6,547 runs in 282 white-ball internationals for India.
In the middle order, the experienced Jess Duffin returns, providing valuable stability.
Last season Josie Dooley displayed her potential with a half-century against the Melbourne Stars, while Courtney Webb contributed 252 runs. Sarah Coyte and Georgia Prestwidge will be looking for better returns with the bat this season, and the returning Georgia Wareham can make valuable contributions with the bat.
Hayley Matthews is pivotal to Melbourne Renegades [Getty Images]
How strong is the bowling?
The absence of Molineux and the departure of Shabnim Ismail, who were the team's top wicket-takers last year, and Tayla Vlaemnick's continued absence due to a shoulder injury are huge setbacks for the team. However, the return of Wareham is a significant boost.
Sarah Coyte bowls medium pace, and she made an impact last season, taking 11 wickets. Matthews has been performing well with the ball and isn't hesitant to bowl her off-spin during crucial moments, even at the death. Off-spinner Ella Hayward, who represented Australia at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in January, is looking to play a more prominent role this season.
Prestwidge's medium pace has proven effective in the WBBL, and Kaur's off-spin might come into play when needed. Notably, Wareham is a world-class leg-spin bowler, boasting an impressive record of 44 WIT20 wickets with an average of just 15.97 and an economical economy rate of 6.23. Her presence will be pivotal for the Renegades' bowling attack this season.
Despite these options, the Renegades' bowling could be vulnerable in the powerplay and in the death overs.
Why should fans be excited ?
The Renegades batting lineup is stacked with three world-class top batters. Matthews, Beaumont and Kaur all possess the ability to post substantial scores, granting the Renegades the potential to both set and chase high targets in every match.
The explosive Beaumont and the powerful Matthews can start fast during the powerplay. Subsequently the other batters can contribute with less scoreboard pressure
The return of Wareham stands out as a significant positive in their bowling department. The side has a formidable array of spin bowlers who can stifle opposition batters. While they may lack fast-bowling options, it's worth noting that the pace-off has become increasing the trend in T20 cricket. Matthews is an astute and seasoned captain and tactician, and her ability to strategically deploy her bowlers is impressive.
Georgia Wareham returns for the Renegades [Getty Images]
Why should fans be worried?
Melbourne Renegades face challenges in their batting depth and will be reliant on their top three.
From a bowling perspective, there could be doubts over who can take crucial wickets during the powerplay, and restrict an opposition in the death overs.
Moreover, the Renegades lack a history of success in this competition, making it a potential challenge to instill a winning mentality within the squad. To have a successful season, it's likely that at least one of their star players, such as Matthews, Beaumont, or Kaur, will need to deliver something spectacular.
Squad: Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Coyte, Josie Dooley, Jess Duffin, Ellie Falconer, Ella Hayward, Sophie Molineux, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Hayley Matthews, Harmanpreet Kaur, Georgia Prestwidge, Courtney Webb
Fixtures: October 20 – Brisbane Heat (h 3.00pm); October 23 – Adelaide Strikers (h, 3.00pm); October 26 – Sydney Thunder (a, 3.00pm); October 28 - Sydney Sixers (h, 12.00pm); November 1 - Sydney Thunder (h, 3.00pm), November 3 - Perth Scorchers (a, 8.40pm); November 5 – Sydney Sixers (a, 1.40pm); November 8 – Adelaide Strikers (a, 7.10pm), November 11 – Perth Scorchers (h, 2.00pm), November 12 - Melbourne Stars (h, 1.40pm); November 17 - Brisbane Heat (a, 7.40pm); November 19 – Hobart Hurricanes (h, 10.10am); November 23 - Hobart Hurricanes (a, 7.10pm); November 25 - Melbourne Stars (a, 6.10pm)
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