The Melbourne Stars have strengthened their squad with a rising star of international cricket
England young gun joins WBBL signing blitz
Melbourne Stars have secured one of the most exciting prospects in world cricket, signing England young gun Alice Capsey for Weber WBBL|08.
The fearless 18-year-old made her international debut in July and was one of the breakout stars of the Commonwealth Games, immediately finding her feet in England’s top order after being slotted into No.3 in place of injured skipper Heather Knight.
A hard-hitting right-hander who also bowls off-spin, Capsey hammered a 37-ball 50 against South Africa during the Games in Birmingham, and averaged 33 with a strike rate of 125 for the tournament.
That form continued in last Sunday’s first T20I against India, where Capsey struck an unbeaten 32 off 20 to lead England to victory.
She is the second overseas signing to be confirmed by the Stars for WBBL|08, alongside India top-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues.
"I can't wait to get to Australia, I've heard so many great things from the English players going over to the WBBL and I'm excited to experience that," Capsey said.
"I'm looking forward to playing against some of the best players in the world and playing in Australian conditions."
Capsey is the third England player to be confirmed for the upcoming WBBL season, alongside Danni Wyatt (Brisbane Heat), and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who will play in the competition for the first time after signing with Sydney Sixers.
Both Capsey and Rodrigues’ skill with the bat will be crucial for a Stars side hoping to return to the finals after missing out last season, particularly with captain Meg Lanning’s availability unclear as she takes indefinite leave from the game.
The Stars also lost star opener Elyse Villani during the off-season, with the former Australia batter moving to Hobart Hurricanes.
The Stars have one overseas signing and two locals left to confirm.
Melbourne Stars WBBL|08 squad so far: Meg Lanning* (c), Annabel Sutherland*, Jemimah Rodrigues (Ind), Alice Capsey (Eng), Lucy Cripps, Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Reid
* Denotes CA contracted marquee player
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