Jess Duffin re-signs with Melbourne Renegades for WBBL07

missing the sixth edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) due to the birth of her first child, the club announced on Wednesday (July 14).

Duffin was the highest run-scorer for Renegades, and third overall, in the fifth edition of the WBBL. Her 544 runs at an average of 68 were behind only Player of the Tournament Sophie Devine and Player of the Final Beth Mooney. Her prolific season meant she was briefly in contention for a spot in Australia's T20I squad for the T20 World Cup 2020, before informing the selectors of her unavailability. She was also named captain of the WBBL05 Team of the Tournament.

The 32-year-old said she is excited to re-join the franchise ahead of the seventh season.

“I’m really pleased to have signed with the Renegades again for the WBBL. I’m really grateful to the club for their support last year when I needed to focus on my family. While I was watching closely from home, I’ve certainly missed the team, the environment and the energy in the group and look forward to being back around that again,” Duffin said.

ALSO READ: Molly Strano signs with Hobart Hurricanes for WBBL07

Renegades previously announced the appointment of a new captain in Sophie Molineux and a new coach Simon Helmot for the season. Coach Helmot was equally thrilled about Duffin's return saying her experience will be extremely valuable to the squad.

“Jess brings so much experience, a cool head and great leadership to our group overall,” he said. “T20 cricket is all about moments and Jess’s career has been all about making the most of those moments at the highest level. You only have to look back to 2019 when Jess made 50 off 27 balls to help us chase down 184 against the Brisbane Heat,” he recalled.

Duffin's signing comes on the back of Molly Strano's announcement that she will represent Hobart Hurricanes in WBBL07. The loss of the veteran off-spinner is a huge one for the club who are yet to announce any overseas signings as well.

Incidentally, Renegades will kick off their season against the Hurricanes on October 17 at the North Sydney Oval.