The Melbourne Renegades have kept two of their pace options, Tayla Vlaeminck and Sara Kennedy, for Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12. Vlaeminck has agreed to another two seasons with the club, while Kennedy has signed a one-year deal. Their return adds continuity to the Renegades bowling group. The WBBL 12 squad also includes international players Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin, with the team preparing under new coach Gavan Twining.
Vlaeminck’s new deal follows a long period affected by injuries, including a shoulder injury. She last played a WBBL match for the Hobart Hurricanes in 2021, before more setbacks interrupted her return to cricket. She is now back playing and representing Australia A. On the current tour of India, she has featured in two T20s and one one-day match. Her performances included 3-24 from three overs.
For Vlaeminck, deciding to stay with the Renegades did not take much thought. “I didn’t really think twice about it, to be honest. The club’s been amazing to me the last couple of years,” she said. She also explained how much the team environment meant to her while she was unable to play. “Not playing can be quite hard at times, but it’s just been a place where I actually enjoyed going to watch the games and being around the girls.”
Vlaeminck also spoke about the role of Soph Molineux, Georgia Wareham and Simon Helmot in creating that environment. “What Soph (Molineux) and Wolf (Georgia Wareham) and Helmo (Simon Helmot) have created over the last couple of years is one of the best environments I’ve been a part of, so it was definitely a no-brainer to re-sign.” She added, “I’m just excited. Whether I’ve been enjoying cricket, not enjoying cricket, whatever period of rehab and stuff I’ve been at, going and watching the Big Bash and sitting around the ‘Gades girls always made me want to get out there.”
Kennedy will also return after continuing her development with Tasmania in domestic cricket. The left-arm quick made her WBBL debut as a replacement during WBBL 09 and played 11 matches in her first season in red. She later made one more appearance in WBBL 11. Kennedy will now look to cement her place in the Renegades bowling attack. She also shares a special connection with Vlaeminck, who presented her with a Renegades cap ahead of her WBBL debut in 2023.
The Renegades are building their WBBL 12 squad under new coach Gavan Twining, with 10 list spots filled. Alongside Vlaeminck and Kennedy, the team has confirmed its contracted players, as well as those who are out and those who remain uncontracted. The squad also features Matthews and Dottin as the overseas players already locked in for the season. The club now has its pace pair secured as it continues finalising its group.
Melbourne Renegades Squad (so far)
Contracted for WBBL 12: Deandra Dottin (West Indies), Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth, Sara Kennedy, Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Sophie Molineux, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb
Out: Alice Capsey (Sydney Sixers), Charis Bekker
Uncontracted: Sarah Coyte, Emma de Broughe, Naomi Stalenberg
The re-signings give the Renegades two familiar pace options for WBBL 12. Vlaeminck is continuing her return after repeated injury setbacks, while Kennedy is looking to build further on her WBBL experience. Their continued presence also keeps a connection between two bowlers who have already shared a moment in the Renegades setup.
With Twining taking charge and the contracted group taking shape, Vlaeminck and Kennedy will be part of the squad for the upcoming WBBL season as the club continues preparations for WBBL 12 together.
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Source: femalecricket.com
