Hayley Matthews to lead Melbourne Renegades in WBBL 09

In a strategic move this season, the Melbourne Renegades have entrusted the dynamic Hayley Matthews with the mantle of leadership. This transition arises as unfortunate circumstances sidelined the indomitable Sophie Molineux due to a persistent knee injury. Matthews, a draft acquisition now in her second consecutive season with the Renegades, valiantly stepped in for Molineux during WBBL 08 when the latter suffered a debilitating ACL tear in November. 

The West Indies skipper emerged as the chosen leader among a slew of formidable contenders within the Renegades roster. This selection process saw prominent figures such as India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur and Welsh Fire's leader, Tammy Beaumont, vying for the role. Coach Simon Helmot, when addressing Matthews' appointment as the Melbourne Renegades' skipper, shared his insights on this pivotal decision.

"Hayley captained our team after Soph got injured last year and did a great job, the girls have great respect for her. To have her, with the experience of Jess Duffin, Harmanpreet Kaur and our vice-captain Georgia Wareham, it's a real positive for us. Hayley is really invested in our club, she had a fantastic time last year and she wants to see us become more successful,” he said as quoted by cricket.com.au.

Hayley Matthews’ exceptional form continues

The 25-year-old has been on a remarkable T20 cricket rampage, earning the prestigious Player of the Match accolade in her previous eight encounters. Her extraordinary form dazzled brightly as she delivered an astonishing 310 runs over three games versus Australia just weeks ago, with a remarkable 132-run gem in the pivotal second match at North Sydney Oval.

During her last seven T20I appearances, she has amassed a remarkable 452 runs at an impressive average of 90.4, striking at a dynamic rate of 138.22. On the bowling front, she secured 15 crucial wickets at a frugal 10.6, upholding a commendable economy rate of 6.11. Notably, the right-hand batter, who assumed the West Indies captaincy in June last year, attributes her career-best form to this significant leadership role.

"Honestly, the leadership of the team has definitely helped me to take responsibility of my game. That along with just learning and understanding my game a lot more from playing so much franchise and T20 cricket around the world. The two of those put together over the last 12 months have really helped not only with me scoring runs but scoring them consistently as well,” she added.