The Melbourne Renegades will kick off their WBBL|10 campaign with an exciting milestone for inspirational captain Sophie Molineux who plays game 100 in red.
SQUAD: Soph set for milestone game, new faces in line to face Sixers
Molineux, who missed WBBL|09 through injury, will return for the first time in 714 days and become the second Renegade to reach the impressive feat when her side faces off against the Sydney Sixers on Sunday at Adelaide Oval.
Alongside Molineux, who resumes her role as captain, the Renegades' squad includes several fresh faces eager to make an impact in red.
The squad features off-season signings Nicole Faltum, Milly Illingworth, Naomi Stalenberg and international recruit Alice Capsey.
Fresh from her impressive World Cup, where she earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament, Deandra Dottin is in line for her WBBL return and Renegades debut.
Linsey Smith, who was signed as an international replacement player this week, comes into the squad for Hayley Matthews.
Matthews has been granted extra time to recoup from a long World Cup campaign where she led the West Indies to a semi-final berth and will be available for the Renegades' clash with Brisbane on Wednesday.
A cornerstone of the Renegades since the club and league's beginnings, Molineux has made a lasting impact with her leadership and skill.
Known for her all-round abilities, Molineux is the Renegades' leading run scorer with more than 1500 runs to go with her 78 wickets (second behind only Molly Strano), exemplifying the qualities that have made her a fan favorite and a highly respected leader at the club.
She sits behind Aaron Finch (107) as the club's second most capped Renegade in the club's history.
Renegades Head Coach, Simon Helmot, praised Molineux’s dedication to the team and her leadership both on and off the field.
“Sophie's commitment, resilience, and love for the game have been a guiding force for this team for many years.” Helmot said.
"Reaching 100 games is a tremendous achievement and a testament to her loyalty to the Renegades."
"We’re thrilled to see her leading this team once again in what’s shaping up to be an exciting season for the club.”
Squad v Sydney Sixers
Sophie Molineux (C)
Alice Capsey
Sarah Coyte
Emma de Broughe
Deandra Dottin
Nicole Faltum
Milly Illingworth
Sara Kennedy
Georgia Prestwidge
Linsey Smith
Naomi Stalenberg
Georgia Wareham
Courtney Webb
KEY MATCH INFO
Melbourne Renegades v Sydney Sixers
Sunday, 27 October
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, 4.40pm (AEDST)
Live on Channel 7, Foxtel, Kayo and ABC Radio
Tickets