The Melbourne Renegades have locked away their overseas pre-signing ahead of the Big Bash draft, with a gun all-rounder recommitting to the club.
World's best returns to Gades
Matthews, who's ranked the world's best women's T20 all-rounder by the ICC, will return for her fourth season in red and has signed on a two-year deal.
She crafted a career-best campaign in WBBL|10, scoring 324 runs at a strike rate of 130.6 and 14 wickets, a haul that earned selection in the WBBL|10 Team of the Tournament and second in ESPNcricinfo’s “Total Impact” index behind only Sydney’s Ellyse Perry.
She was a key architect behind the Renegades’ maiden title, carving a crucial 69 (61) before snaring 2-24 to claim Player of the Match honours in a thrilling seven-run Final win at the MCG.
“Melbourne is a second home to me and the Renegades give me the freedom to back in my own game and influence with the bat, ball and in the field – and I can’t wait to run it back with this group.”
Since WBBL|10, Matthews has continued her stellar form for the West Indies, averaging 74.4 across three T20 series, the most recent being including two Player of the Match performances against England where she scored a 67-ball ton in the opener before a gutsy 71 and 3/32 masterclass.
WBBL head coach Simon Helmot said retaining Matthews was an important piece towards defending the title.
“Hayley sets the tone in every phase —fearless batting, power-play wickets, calm leadership.
“Keeping her in red gives us real momentum heading into WBBL|11.”
Matthews joins New Zealand international Tim Seifert as one of the Renegades’ pre-signed overseas players across both leagues.
Seifert will return for the second year of a two-season deal signed ahead of BBL|14, where he impressed with 200 runs at a strike rate of 122.22, including a half-century against the Hurricanes in Geelong.
“Between Hayley and Tim, we’ve locked in two proven performers who thrive in big moments,” Rosengarten said.
“They’re genuine impact players who strengthen our top order and embody the aggressive, entertaining cricket we’re always striving to play.”
Additional signings – including domestic contracts and two further overseas selections at the June 19 draft – will be announced in the coming weeks.