Meg Lanning has returned to lead the Melbourne Stars in WBBL|12, taking over from Annabel Sutherland, who stepped down after two seasons. Lanning said she was happy to take on the role if it helped the team win. The Stars have added England spin-bowling allrounder Charlie Dean, while South Africa's Marizanne Kapp has withdrawn from the season. Richard Pyrah takes over as head coach from Andy Christie, and Lanning and Rhys McKenna are expected to open the batting.
Ashleigh Gardner says the Sydney Sixers have one of their strongest lists in a long time as they aim to improve on last season's third-placed finish in WBBL|12. The club has a new head coach, Pete Clarke, who previously served as an assistant. Key additions include England batter Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley and wicketkeeper Maddy Darke, who replaces the retired Alyssa Healy. The Sixers lost a home semi-final to the Perth Scorchers last season but won the Spring Challenge.
Sophie Molineux and new coach Gavan Twining want the Renegades to play an aggressive, bold style of T20 cricket in the WBBL. The club's list includes Georgia Wareham, West Indies stars Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin, and South African Chloe Tryon. Tayla Vlaeminck returns after not playing a match for the club since 2018. The Renegades are expected to be sold by next season, so this is their last campaign in their current form.
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Brisbane Heat are looking to move on from a winless 2025 Women's Big Bash League campaign. The club has backed local players for the new season, with only two overseas recruits, England's Sarah Glenn and Ireland's Orla Prendergast. Georgia Redmayne takes over as captain and says the team's success in the 50-over format gives them confidence. Lucy Hamilton returns to lead the pace attack after a rise that included a debut for Australia across three formats.
Ira Aery, a Victorian-contracted player, headlines the Cricket Victoria Metro squad for the upcoming Under-19 Female National Championships. Aery made her Victorian debut last season. Three players who represented Victoria in the September second XI series against South Australia also made the squad: Noura Abdul Qader, Eva Baird and Jasmine Kamboj. This year's preparation has put more emphasis on strength and conditioning, fielding and cricket IQ. Pathway physical performance specialist Mitchell Craze has led an enhanced strength and conditioning program, with players making significant physical gains in a short time.
Adelaide Strikers want to return to the top four in WBBL|12 after narrowly missing the finals last season. Captain Tahlia McGrath says the team must improve in all areas. The club has added England batter Maia Bouchier and Emma de Broughe, while losing Jemma Barsby to the Thunder. Darcie Brown has been ruled out of the tournament with a back injury. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt's availability for finals is not yet clear.
Phoebe Litchfield will miss Australia's opening women's T20 international against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval. Captain Sophie Molineux has returned from a hip complaint, and Lucy Hamilton is back from a quad injury. Tahlia McGrath is recalled to the side. Australia will bowl first after Molineux won the toss. New Zealand are playing their first series since the retirements of Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu, and are led by interim coach Dean Brownlie. The three-match series runs from October 18 to October 22.
Phoebe Litchfield will miss the final one-day international against Bangladesh because of a hip injury. Nicola Carey comes into the Australian side. Beth Mooney, playing her 100th one-day international, will open the batting in Litchfield's place. Australia have won the first two matches of the series by seven and nine wickets and are seeking a series sweep. The match is being played at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.
Werribee Centrals will give young players more chances this season as it aims for another finals berth in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association. The Centurions finished fourth in the home-and-away rounds last summer before losing a semi-final to Laverton by three wickets. Captain-coach Tarique Jeffrey said the squad is largely unchanged, with import Sohaib Arif the only departure. Werribee Centrals lost by 10 runs to Pascoe Vale Central on Saturday, and will face Sunshine YCW away this weekend.
