Annabel Sutherland has been named as Melbourne Stars captain for WBBL|10 and confirmed to take over the reins from Meg Lanning.
Annabel Sutherland will be embracing the responsibility with Melbourne Stars this season. The 23-year-old Sutherland will be captaining the side as they look to return to the finals for the first time since WBBL|06.
Lanning has stepped away from the captaincy after five seasons and then returned to the job after her three-season stint at Perth Scorchers.
“I did a couple of games at the back end of last year and enjoyed the opportunity,” Sutherland told cricket.com.au.
“It’s going to be a new experience and I’m not expecting to get everything right, it’ll be a learning opportunity, for sure.
“(But) I think it’s a chance to get out of your own game a little bit, and you have a bit more of a touch point with the rest of the group, and find ways to help others out.
Our new Skipper, @annabelsuth3 pic.twitter.com/quA9SiBDWG
— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) October 25, 2024
“I think given the amount of cricket we’ve played in this last little bit, it’ll be nice to step into a different space and think about the game a little bit differently.”
Stars have signed promising players ahead of WBBL|10 reaching the semifinals of the T20 Spring Challenge and will be strengthened by the likes of Sutherland, Kapp and Kim Garth from the World Cup.
Bhatia and Sharma will be slightly delayed due to India’s three-game ODI series against New Zealand, running from October 24-29.
“I think we’ve got some star power with the internationals we’ve got, and then I think the depth through the domestic list is really cool,” Sutherland said.
“Those younger girls coming through – or not so young anymore – Rhys McKenna, Tess Flintoff, Sophie Day.
“Those girls have had some experience the last couple of years and done a really good job for us, so I’m pumped to see what they can do,” concluded Annabel Sutherland.
Melbourne Stars will start their WBBL 2024 campaign in the match against Perth Scorchers on October 27 at WACA Ground.
Also Read: WBBL 2024 Squad, Teams Full List – Women’s Big Bash League
