The Melbourne Stars are pleased to announce the signings of Georgia Prestwidge and Ella Hayward for WBBL|11.
Red Raid before the Draft
Both players arrive from the Renegades, where they were part of last year’s WBBL|10 winning squad.
Hayward enjoyed a breakout season at domestic level last year, named Victoria’s best WNCL player, and was rewarded with selection for Australia A in the recent series against England A.
The off-spinning all-rounder starred in the second half of the summer, taking 6-31 against Queensland and backing that performance up with 84 and 3-44 against Tasmania.
“Ella’s emergence was hard to ignore in the back half of last season,” T20 High Performance Manager Clint McKay said.
“She demonstrated her true all-round qualities, taking games away from the opposition with her spin bowling and consistent batting.
“We’re hoping she can continue her upwards trajectory this year and she’ll be a very valuable addition to our WBBL|11 squad.”
All-rounder Prestwidge joins the Stars after 46 games with the Heat and 35 with the Renegades.
“Georgia rounds out our fast-bowling attack and will compliment Sutherland, Garth and Kapp,” McKay said.
“Her experience will be invaluable, her batting can be powerful and dynamic, she’s a wonderful fielder and will add some energy to the group both on and off the field.”
Hayward, 21, was excited about what the Stars could achieve in WBBL|11.
“I’d like to thank the Renegades for the time I spent in red but I cannot wait to get stuck in this year with the Stars,” Hayward said.
“The squad is really strong, we’ve got lots of great Victorian girls there who have played a lot of cricket together now and hopefully I can continue to improve personally and in turn help the side in WBBL|11.”
After winning the WBBL last year, Prestwidge is craving more success.
“I had a wonderful time at the Renegades and last year’s title was a highlight of my career,” Prestwidge said.
“I’m keen to experience that again and the Stars have the capability to go deep into the tournament.
“Hopefully I can start the season well and be playing some good cricket coming into the WBBL so we can hit the ground running.”