The Melbourne Stars in their pre-draft signing picked the South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp. With Pick 10, Kapp secured a platinum contract. Kapp’s ability to swing the ball on both sides will make her a threat with the new ball. She kept the batters shut in WPL 2025 while playing for Delhi Capitals, maintaining an economy of just 5.72 and picking 8 wickets. She has been impressive in WBBL, having already picked 133 wickets with an economy of 5.61 in the tournament’s history.
In addition to her fast-bowling strengths, she has proven herself with the bat, registering five half-centuries in WBBL. Her ability to contribute in the middle and lower-middle order adds crucial depth to the lineup.
With the 5th pick, the Stars selected English wicket-keeper Amy Jones. Melbourne Stars seemed lucky as the Scorchers decided not to retain Jones even after her back-to-back centuries against the West Indies in the ODIs last week while opening the innings. Jones is expected to address the Stars’ batting concerns and fill the crucial wicketkeeper role behind the stumps.
The wicketkeeper batter has had a decent outing in the WBBL, scoring 1287 runs with an average of 22.58 at a strike rate of 115.43. Behind the stumps, she’s equally impressive, having taken 25 catches and stumped five batters. Bringing her international form, Jones is expected to address the Stars’ batting woes and fill the crucial wicketkeeper role behind the stumps.
In the 22nd pick, the Stars signed Dani Gibson with a gold contract. After being a part of the Adelaide Strikers in WBBL-09, the English all-rounder returns to the competition, bringing her pace and flair to the Stars. Gibson has impressed in previous seasons with both bat and ball. With the bat, she has averaged 28.75, boasting a strike rate just shy of 148. With the ball, she has taken 10 wickets, maintaining an economy rate just under 8.
WBBL-11 Draft selections for Melbourne Stars
Amy Jones (England), Dani Gibson (England), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa, pre-signing)
