Melbourne Renegades face a major setback as West Indies all-rounder and skipper Hayley Matthews has withdrawn from the upcoming WBBL 11 season due to an upcoming shoulder surgery.
The official statement from the club confirmed the news, as General Manager James Rosengarten said, “We are clearly disappointed Hayley won’t be with us this season. She’s been instrumental during her time with the Renegades, not just with her performances but with her leadership and professionalism.”
“There’s a very close relationship between the Renegades and Hayley and we know it will continue next year and beyond. Hayley loves this club and we share in her disappointment at not being available for this year’s tournament,” Rosengarten added.
Hayley Matthews scored 324 runs along with 14 wickets in WBBL 10
Matthews played an important role in the Renegades’ championship-winning WBBL 10 campaign and had recently signed a new two-year deal with the team. She had expressed her excitement to return for her fourth season.
Her performance last season highlighted her value to the side, as she scored 324 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 130.6 and took 14 wickets. Her efforts earned her a spot in the WBBL 10 Team of the Tournament and the Player of the Match award in the grand final against Brisbane Heat.
Reflecting on her return earlier, Matthews had said, “Lifting that trophy was special. Now I want to defend it.” She also expressed her affection for Melbourne and the Renegades setup: “Melbourne is a second home to me and the Renegades give me the freedom to back in my own game and influence with the bat, ball and in the field – and I can’t wait to run it back with this group.”
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