Stars lock up key young duo in WBBL

The Melbourne Stars have retained two of their brightest young talents for the upcoming Rebel Women's Big Bash League season, re-signing Annabel Sutherland and Nicole Faltum.

Seventeen-year-old allrounder Sutherland has penned a two-year deal, while 19-year-old wicketkeeper Faltum has committed to the next three seasons with the Stars. 

Sutherland and Faltum both jumped ship to the Stars from local rivals, the Melbourne Renegades for WBBL03.

Sutherland and Faltum were selected for the Governor General's XI match against New Zealand last week, evidencing the high regard in which Australian high-performance representatives view the abilities of both players.

Additionally, Sutherland and Faltum have both been named in the Australian under-19 squad set to depart for their tour of New Zealand tomorrow. 

Sutherland – who's fast bowling and potential with the bat has earned her plenty of praise from high places - is adamant the Stars' team environment is conducive to the development of her game. 

"Since joining the Stars I've really enjoyed the opportunities I've had to develop as a cricketer and having played every game this season, I feel as though my game has developed a lot,” Sutherland said.

"In playing with this group, I've been lucky enough to make some good friends (including Nic Faltum) and to be part of such a family environment is something I appreciate a lot about the Stars.”

After a Big Bash season of mixed results, Sutherland performed well for Victoria in their final fixture of the Women's National Cricket League against Tasmania, scoring 48 with the bat and claiming 1-32 off her eight overs. 

The news of Sutherland re-signing should bolster the spirits of her Melbourne Stars teammates, many of them tipping big things to come from the right arm quick throughout WBBL03.

South African Stars import Mignon Du Preez didn't hold back in making big predictions regarding Sutherland's future. 

"She's really talented … mark my words, I think she might be the next (Ellyse) Perry for them," said Du Preez shortly after Sutherland took 2-17 from four overs against Sydney Thunder. 

Faltum echoed Sutherland's sentiments in crediting the Melbourne Stars club culture as a key factor in her re-signing. 

"For me, I really like the culture the Stars has established over the past couple of seasons. We've built a strong culture around our team values and being able to learn from my senior teammates has helped me a lot," Faltum said.

"I'm hoping I can continue to grow and help to contribute both on and off the field to such a great club."

The Melbourne Stars finished at the bottom of the table for WBBL|04, but will be hoping to build on some promising performances when a standalone WBBL|05 begins in October.