The Melbourne Stars have added a well-known WBBL name to their list, with Naomi Stalenberg signing for the upcoming season.
Stalenberg has been a part of the competition since its inception in 2015, bringing a wealth of experience to the Stars’ batting line-up.
The 32-year-old has played 139 Big Bash matches across three teams to date: Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades.
The Stars will be Stalenberg’s fourth home, as she makes the move after two seasons at the club’s cross-town rival.
“It’s not easy to find players with the level of experience that Naomi has, so we’re really excited to bring her into our program,” General Manager of the Melbourne Stars, James Rosengarten, said.
“Naomi is a really clean striker of the ball which is always valuable in T20 cricket.
“We have seen what she can do on the field and know she will be a great support for our younger players as well.”
Stalenberg has already settled into the team, playing in the Stars’ T20 Spring Challenge tournament last week, where she made 34 against the Meteors and 24* against the Sixers.
Throughout her time in the Big Bash, Stalenberg has made 1,623 runs, striking at over a run a ball.
The powerful batter has also represented Australia at the top level, playing one T20 International in 2016.
Stalenberg becomes the Stars’ 14th contracted player for WBBL|12, with one signing still to be announced.
Melbourne Stars Contracted Players for WBBL|12:
Sophie Day, Charlie Dean, Kim Garth, Dani Gibson, Maisy Gibson, Amy Jones, Meg Lanning (c), Carly Leeson, Rhys McKenna, Indigo Noble, Georgia Prestwidge, Zoe Samuel, Naomi Stalenberg, Annabel Sutherland