Melbourne Stars have made a major statement ahead of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 11 by locking in their formidable pace trio, with Australian speedster Kim Garth signing a fresh one-year deal. The re-signing of Garth, Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp comes at a crucial time for the Stars, who are eager to end their finals drought and make a strong comeback after a disappointing WBBL|10 campaign where they managed just two wins in ten matches.
Garth, 29, returns for her fifth consecutive season with the Stars, having joined them in WBBL|07 after stints with the Sydney Sixers (2 seasons) and Perth Scorchers (1 season). With her new contract, she will notch up her 50th appearance in green this season, further establishing herself as a veteran and key figure within the squad.
Since joining the WBBL, Garth has featured in 84 matches overall, capturing 79 wickets at a standout best of 3/11. With the bat, she has contributed 462 runs, with a top score of 45 not out. On the international stage, she has played 61 T20Is – first for Ireland and later Australia – collecting 49 wickets (best 3/6) and scoring 764 runs, including an unbeaten 51.
The Stars’ new coaching era begins under Andy Christie, who steps into the head coach role after moving across town from the Renegades, where he served as assistant coach for four years. Christie replaces Jonathan Batty, who exited after a three-season tenure during which the Stars failed to make finals. The responsibility of breaking a six-season playoff absence now rests on Christie’s shoulders, with only WBBL|06 offering finals action in the team’s ten-year history.
A major positive for the Stars is the consolidation of their fast-bowling arsenal. Kim Garth will spearhead the attack alongside fellow Australia-contracted star Annabel Sutherland and South African veteran Marizanne Kapp, creating one of the most intimidating pace units in the competition.
“Kim has become a key pillar in our bowling attack and was one of the most important targets for us to re-sign for WBBL|11,” said Stars High Performance Manager Clint McKay. “With herself, Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland leading our pace attack, we believe we have one of the strongest fast bowling groups in the WBBL and we’re excited to see what they can produce together later this year.”
The departure of promising allrounder Tess Flintoff to Melbourne Renegades and spinner Hasrat Gill to Sydney Thunder during the off-season has made experienced names like Garth even more vital. Despite the losses, the Stars have retained key players such as Meg Lanning, Sophie Day, and Rhys McKenna, with several local contracts still to be confirmed.
Garth, whose strength lies in her ability to open the bowling and swing the ball both ways with control, has consistently maintained one of the best economy rates in the WBBL over the last four years.
“I’m really excited to re-sign with the Stars and am looking forward to WBBL|11 already,” said Garth. “There’s no doubt we have underachieved over the past couple of seasons but I’m extremely motivated to drive this group back to the top of the table and back into the WBBL Finals.”
Having become an integral part of the Stars’ leadership group, Garth’s experience and hunger for team success will be crucial as Melbourne aim to convert potential into performance. With WBBL|11 shaping up to be a pivotal season, the Stars are putting their faith in their all-star pace battery to lead the charge back into finals contention.
Melbourne Stars WBBL|11 Squad So Far:
Sophie Day, Kim Garth, Marizanne Kapp, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Ines McKeon, Sophie Reid, Annabel Sutherland
New Entrants: To be confirmed
Outs: Tess Flintoff (Renegades), Hasrat Gill (Thunder)
Locals off contract: Maisy Gibson, Liv Henry, Sasha Moloney
(Quotes sourced from cricket.com.au)
