Renegades chuck Norris a WBBL list spot

The Melbourne Renegades have signed American international Tara Norris as an associate player for the WBBL season.

A left-arm swing bowler, Norris strengthens an already impressive bowling contingent ahead of the Renegades’ WBBL|10 campaign which begins on Sunday.

Norris, 26, has represented the United States in ICC competitions and played in the inaugural Women’s Premier League with the Dehli Capitals where she claimed five wickets on debut.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the Renegades this season and play in Australia this summer,” Norris said.

“The WBBL is one of the best competitions in the world, and I’m looking forward to testing myself against top-tier players.”

Melbourne Renegades’ WBBL|10 Squad (to date):
Emma de Broughe, Alice Capsey, Sarah Coyte, Josie Dooley, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Hayley Matthews, Sophie Molineux, Tara Norris, Georgia Prestwidge, Naomi Stalenberg, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb

Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten, said Norris’ inclusion and skillset offers the Renegades added firepower and a point of difference.

“Tara is a proven performer on the international stage so we’re thrilled to add her to our squad as we continue to build for a successful season,” he said.

“There aren’t too many left-arm pace bowlers in the WBBL. Her ability to swing the ball will give opposition batters something else to think about it. A skillset which will be invaluable.”

Born in Philadelphia, Norris moved to the UK when she was eight and picked up the game playing for Horsham Cricket Club in Sussex.

She made her county debut for her home state in 2015 and, from there, her career trajectory has grown to representing the London Spirit in The Hundred to the United States in five T20 World Cup Americas qualifiers.

Rosengarten added that Norris’ signing reflects the Renegades’ commitment to fostering international talent.

“We’re proud to support players from Associate Nations, and Tara’s inclusion is a testament to the growing global nature of the game. The Associate player can play on top of the three overseas players, so it gives us great flexibility in selection.”

Norris is set to join the squad ahead of the Renegades’ first home match in Melbourne against the Scorchers.