Deandra Dottin re-signs with Melbourne Renegades for WBBL 12
Synopsis
Deandra Dottin, the first woman to score a T20I century, is heading back to Melbourne for a third stint with the Renegades — and this time she's reuniting with Hayley Matthews, her partner in the WBBL 10 title triumph. With Cricket Australia ditching the overseas draft in favour of open-market signings, the Renegades have moved quickly to lock in one of women's cricket's most explosive all-round combinations.
Key Takeaways
Deandra Dottin has re-signed with the Melbourne Renegades for WBBL 12 , beginning her third season with the club.
Dottin reunites with Hayley Matthews , her fellow West Indies all-rounder and WBBL 10 title-winning partner.
Dottin is the first woman to score a T20 International century , underscoring her historic standing in the game.
Cricket Australia has scrapped the overseas player draft for WBBL 12, returning to an open-market contracting system.
The Renegades have eight players contracted, with Alice Capsey departing to the Sydney Sixers .
New head coach Gavan Twining now has an experienced overseas core as the squad build continues.
Deandra Dottin has confirmed her return to the Melbourne Renegades for WBBL 12, giving the club a significant boost ahead of the upcoming Women's Big Bash League season. The West Indies all-rounder, widely regarded as one of the most destructive players in women's T20 cricket, will embark on her third consecutive season in red after featuring in every match of the Renegades' WBBL 11 campaign.
Dottin and Matthews Reunite in Red
Dottin's re-signing follows the club's earlier confirmation that fellow West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews would also return for the new season. The two played central roles in Melbourne's maiden WBBL title triumph in WBBL 10, forming a formidable overseas partnership that powered the club to its first championship. Matthews missed WBBL 11 through injury, but her return alongside Dottin means the Renegades will once again field one of the most potent overseas combinations in the competition.
What the Club Said
Clint McKay, Melbourne Renegades High Performance Manager, said the club was delighted to have Dottin back in the fold. 'Deandra is one of the most impactful players in world cricket, and we're thrilled to welcome her back to the Melbourne Renegades. She was a huge part of the WBBL 10 title success, and we know exactly what she can bring to our group both on and off the field. Her ability to influence games with both bat and ball is exceptional,' McKay said.
Dottin herself expressed enthusiasm about linking up with Matthews once more. 'I'm looking forward to returning to the Renegades and especially playing with Hayley Matthews once again,' she said. 'We've shared some special memories on the field together, and being back in Melbourne, where we won a title together, brings back plenty of great memories. I'm excited for the season ahead,' she added.
Historic Cricketer, Proven Match-Winner
Dottin holds a landmark place in women's cricket history as the first woman to score a T20 International century. Her dual threat with bat and ball has made her a proven match-winner at the highest level, and her availability gives new Renegades head coach Gavan Twining an experienced, high-impact option as he shapes his squad for the new campaign.
Cricket Australia's New Overseas Contracting System
Dottin's signing also reflects a structural shift in how WBBL clubs recruit internationally. Cricket Australia has scrapped the overseas player draft ahead of WBBL 12, reverting to an open-market system that allows franchises to sign international players directly. The change gives clubs greater flexibility and negotiating power in building their overseas contingents.
Current Squad and Roster Movements
The Renegades currently have eight players under contract for WBBL 12: Dottin, Matthews, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, and Courtney Webb. Notably, Alice Capsey has departed for the Sydney Sixers, and Charis Bekker is also no longer part of the squad. Sarah Coyte, Emma de Broughe, Sara Kennedy, Naomi Stalenberg, and Tayla Vlaeminck remain uncontracted as the club continues to finalise its roster ahead of the new season.
Point of View
But the real story is structural: Cricket Australia's decision to scrap the overseas draft and restore open-market signing has immediately rewarded the clubs with the strongest existing overseas relationships. The Renegades, who won WBBL 10 on the back of this exact West Indies combination, have moved faster than rivals to lock in proven talent. Whether that head start translates into a title challenge will depend on how Twining integrates the returning duo with a squad that has lost Capsey — one of the competition's most dynamic young bats — to the Sixers.
NationPress
16 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Deandra Dottin re-signed with the Melbourne Renegades?
Dottin has re-signed with the Melbourne Renegades for WBBL 12, beginning her third season with the club. She cited the shared history with teammate Hayley Matthews and the memories of winning the WBBL 10 title together in Melbourne as key motivations.
Who is Deandra Dottin and why is she significant?
Deandra Dottin is a West Indies all-rounder and the first woman in history to score a T20 International century. She is widely regarded as one of the most impactful players in women's T20 cricket, capable of influencing matches with both bat and ball.
What is the new overseas contracting system for WBBL 12?
Cricket Australia has scrapped the overseas player draft ahead of WBBL 12 and returned to an open-market system. This allows clubs to sign international players directly, giving franchises greater flexibility in building their overseas contingents.
Which players are currently contracted to the Melbourne Renegades for WBBL 12?
The Renegades have eight players under contract: Deandra Dottin, Hayley Matthews, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, and Courtney Webb. Alice Capsey has moved to the Sydney Sixers, and several others remain uncontracted.
Did Hayley Matthews play in WBBL 11?
No, Hayley Matthews missed WBBL 11 due to injury. She has since been re-signed by the Melbourne Renegades and will return alongside Dottin for WBBL 12.
