Melbourne Stars have signed England vice-captain Charlie Dean for Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12, adding their third international player for the season. The 25-year-old off-spinner will make her first appearance in the Big Bash when she arrives in Melbourne. Dean has been part of England’s international set-up for five years and has played across all three formats. She also captained England’s ODI team earlier this month. Her move gives the Stars another experienced international player for the WBBL campaign this summer.
Dean has already built an international record at international level. She has played 59 ODIs, 58 T20Is and three Test matches for England. In T20I cricket, the off-spinner has taken 77 wickets at an average of 18.32. She is also capable of contributing with the bat when required. Her highest international score is 47* in a One-Day match against South Africa. This adds another useful choice for the Stars.
Dean said she is excited to begin her first Big Bash season with Melbourne. “I can’t wait to get started with the Stars and play in the Big Bash for the first time,” Dean said. “It’s such a high standard competition and the timing is right for me to be a part of it this season. “I know a lot of the Stars girls already and I think the playing group is looking really strong. “It should be a lot of fun and hopefully we can have some success.”
The signing will also bring Dean together with England teammates Dani Gibson and Amy Jones. Gibson and Jones recommitted to Melbourne Stars on Tuesday and will now share the squad with Dean. All three England players will wear green this summer. Dean already knows many of the Stars girls, giving her familiar faces when she joins. Her arrival means the club will have three England internationals in its squad for WBBL 12.
Melbourne Stars Contracted Players for WBBL 12
Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Day, Charlie Dean, Kim Garth, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Indigo Noble
The Stars have now filled nine of their 15 contract spots for the upcoming WBBL season. All three international signings have been finalised, with Dean joining Gibson and Jones. The club has therefore completed its international group for WBBL 12. Nine players have been confirmed so far, leaving six contract spots unfilled. Dean becomes the latest addition as Melbourne continues to build its squad for the season.
Dean brings plenty of T20I experience to the Stars, with 77 wickets for England at an average of 18.32. Her wider international record includes 59 ODIs, 58 T20Is and three Test matches. She can also provide runs when needed, with a highest international score of 47* in a One Day match against South Africa. Her experience across formats will now be available to Melbourne during the Big Bash. The club will have her off-spin and batting in the squad.
For Dean, this will be her first chance to play in the Big Bash. She will enter the tournament alongside Gibson and Jones, while the Stars prepare for WBBL 12. The club has secured all three international signings and filled nine of its 15 contract places. Dean’s experience, including her work with England across formats, gives the squad another established international player. She will now begin a new chapter with Melbourne Stars for her first Big Bash season in green.
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Source: femalecricket.com
