Melbourne Stars appoint Kirsten Beams as captain

Australian leg-spinner Kirsten Beams was appointed as the captain of Melbourne Stars in the forthcoming season of the Women’s Big Bash League. She will be replacing Meg Lanning, who recently signed a three-year deal with the Perth Scorchers. However, Lanning looks unlikely to feature in this season as she had recently undergone a shoulder surgery which will keep her out of action for six to eight months.

Stars also signed four new players including a local – Erin Osborne, the Australian off-spinner who last played for the country in September 2016. Apart from Osborne, Stars signed South African duo of Mignon du Preez and Lizelle Lee along with English all-rounder Georgia Elwiss. Du Preez was a part of the Stars squad in the first season and will return to play for them this season.

Beams honored to lead Stars

Beams was excited to be named the captain of the franchise. She has led the side once in Lanning’s absence and won the game on her captaincy debut. “I’m very honored to be named the captain of the Melbourne Stars. I can’t wait for the team to come together this summer and to create a culture that we can all be proud of. To also sign a three-year deal with the Stars is very exciting as it means that I’m going to be a one-club player. That’s something special to me,” said Beams, excited about her new role for Stars on Tuesday (September 12).

Beams was also delighted to welcome Georgia and Osborne, who she termed as one of Australia’s best off-spinners. “I played under the captaincy of Georgia at the Loughborough Lightning (in the England Super League). She was a part of England’s World Cup winning squad earlier this year and will bring depth to our bowling and batting line-ups. Erin is one of Australia’s best off-spinners. I’m very much looking forward to playing alongside her again,” Beams said.

Stars have re-signed 7 cricketers

Stars have five international signings ahead of the season, including Beams. They lost two players – England’s Natalie and Kiwi Morna Nielsen. The franchise confirmed the resigning of 7 cricketers – Katie Mack, Emma Kearney, Gemma Triscari, Alana King, Anna Lanning, Hayleigh Brennan and Makinley Blows. They also lost a local cricketer in Jess Duffin who signed a deal with Melbourne Renegades.

Stars coach Hemp expressed happiness of the two South African signings and said that Lizelle will take the wicketkeeping duties behind the stumps beside being a top order batter. “We’re really excited to welcome Mignon back to the club. She was great to have around the team in season one and will slot in nicely in our middle order,” Hemp said. “We saw what Lizelle can do at the top order at this year’s Women’s World Cup. She’s a big hitter and will take the gloves this season.”