The Melbourne Stars announced the re-signing of two youngsters, all-rounder Annabel Sutherland and wicket-keeper Nicole Faltum.
Sutherland was offered a two-year deal. She is considered one of Australia’s most promising young cricketer. She was selected in Governor General’s XI against New Zealand.
On her re-signing, Sutherland said, “Since joining the Stars I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to develop as a cricketer and having played every game this season, I feel as though my game has developed a lot.”
“In playing with this group, I’ve been lucky enough to make some good friends (including Nic Faltum) and to be part of such a family environment is something I appreciate a lot about the Stars,” she added.
Faltum has re-committed for the next three seasons after playing eight matches in WBBL|04 in a crucial role behind the stumps.
“For me, I really like the culture the Stars has established over the past couple of seasons. We’ve built a strong culture around our team values and being able to learn from my senior teammates has helped me a lot," Faltum said.
“I’m hoping I can continue to grow and help to contribute both on and off the field to such a great Club.”
The 18-year-old wicketkeeper also was a part of Governor General’s XI.
“We’re really pleased to re-sign Annabel and Nicole, two of the most talented young players in Australian cricket at the moment," Melbourne Stars CEO Clint Cooper said.
“We see them as the future of our Club and look forward to seeing them develop as both cricketers and people over the next few seasons.”
The re-signing announcement comes on the eve of the Australian under-19 squad’s departure for their tour of New Zealand in which both Sutherland and Faltum have been named.