England vice-captain Charlie Dean is set to make her debut in the Big Bash League after signing with the Melbourne Stars for the upcoming WBBL|12 season.
The 25-year-old has agreed to a one-year deal with the Stars and will strengthen their spin department with her off-spin. Dean will also provide additional depth to the batting lineup and bring valuable leadership experience to the squad.
Dean recently captained England during their ODI series against Ireland in the absence of Natalie Sciver-Brunt. She has five years of international experience and has represented England 120 times across formats. In T20Is, the off-spinner has picked up 77 wickets at an average of 18.32.
Her arrival also means the Stars will have an all-English group of overseas players this season. Dean will join England teammates Amy Jones and Dani Gibson at the Melbourne-based franchise.
“I can’t wait to get started with the Stars and play in the Big Bash for the first time. 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,” Dean was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au.
Charlie Dean replaces Marizanne Kapp at Melbourne Stars
Dean becomes the second spinner contracted by the Stars for WBBL|12, joining local left-arm spinner Sophie Day. She takes up the overseas spot previously occupied by South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp.
Kapp withdrew from the upcoming WBBL season to focus on her international commitments after an injury-interrupted year. South Africa are also scheduled to face India in a Test beginning just four days after the WBBL final.
Despite Kapp’s departure, the Stars still boast a strong pace attack led by Australia internationals Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland. Dani Gibson and Rhys McKenna provide further options, while Sutherland and Jones are expected to feature alongside Meg Lanning in an experienced top order.
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Dean’s signing also adds to the strong English presence among this year’s WBBL imports. Of the 13 overseas signings confirmed so far, eight are from England. The West Indies are represented by Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin, who have both joined the Melbourne Renegades, while Ireland’s Orla Prendergast has signed with the Brisbane Heat.
South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt is continuing with the Adelaide Strikers on a multi-year deal, while New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr has also signed a multi-year contract with the Sydney Sixers.
