The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) team Melbourne Stars has signed South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp to a three-year deal. Kapp, the Sydney Thunder’s first-round selection the previous season, offers a plethora of expertise and talent to the Stars.
A recent rule change that permits clubs to sign one multi-year pre-draft player made her signing viable. Kapp’s decision to sign with the Stars was impacted by his current network of professional contacts. She mentioned the chance to collaborate with former Australia captain Meg Lanning and Stars coach Jonathan Batty as major reasons for her decision.
“I’ve been working with JB [Jonathan Batty] for a couple of years and then obviously working with Meg was a big factor for me moving, I like the way they work,” Kapp was quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Her experience will be essential to our young team. Blair Crouch, the manager of stars
With the Sydney Sixers, she helped the team win two titles in a row, and with the Perth Scorchers, she was named player of the match in the 2021–2022 season finals. The 34-year-old has had an impressive career in the WBBL. Blair Crouch, general manager of the Melbourne Stars, expressed excitement on the acquisition.
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“With an incredible record on the national and international stages, Marianzanne is among the world’s top all-around players. In addition to her bat and ball skills, she will provide our young team with priceless experience as we strive to be among the contenders for WBBL 10, according to Crouch.
Marizanne Kapp has been playing well lately, especially on South Africa’s tour of Australia earlier in the year. At North Sydney Oval, she scored 75 runs and claimed three wickets for just 12 runs, playing a crucial part in South Africa’s historic first-ever ODI triumph over Australia.
In the WBBL, she joins Amelia Kerr (Sydney Sixers) and Nadine de Klerk (Brisbane Heat) as the third foreign player signed prior to the draft. Early September is when the draft is scheduled to happen, and the WBBL season will start right after the T20 World Cup in late October.