Melbourne Stars on Tuesday announced the signing of Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues for the upcoming eighth season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Rodrigues has been a consistent top-order batter and has amassed 333 runs at a strike rate of over 116 in the previous WBBL season for the Melbourne Renegades.
Rodrigues made her debut for India in 2018 against South Africa at the age of just 17 and has since represented her country in 58 T20 Internationals, 21 ODIs and played in two ICC T20 World Cups for her nation, including the 2020 World Cup Final at the MCG.
Commenting on his signing, Rodrigues said she cannot wait to return to Melbourne to be a part of the Stars in WBBL 08. “I am super excited to be a part of the Stars family. I’ve been told that I’m the first ever Indian to sign for the Stars and it is my honour to do so,” she expressed.
“Melbourne has always been my favourite city in Australia and I can’t wait to get back there!,” Rodrigues added.
Meanwhile, General Manager Blair Crouch says her signature is a landmark day for the club.
“We have a huge following in India and to add a player of Jemimah’s quality to our squad is huge coup for the club. I’m sure Jemimah will quickly become a fan favourite and we look forward to seeing her as part of the Stars Family in WBBL|08,” Crouch said.
Rodrigues will complete her commitments in the Asia Women’s Cup for India before joining the Melbourne Stars squad.
WBBL 08 Squad: Meg Lanning, Lucy Cripps, Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Reid, Jemimah Rodrigues (IND), Annabel Sutherland.