Sophie Molineux appointed as Melbourne Renegades skipper ahead of WBBL07

Molineux would be taking over from New Zealand vice-captain Amy Satterthwaite, who led the side in the sixth edition of the tournament. She has played 74 matches in the WBBL and has been a crucial part of the franchise since its inception.

Speaking about her new role, the 23-year-old said that it is an honour to captain a club that she loves so much, adding, "and follow in the footsteps of some high-quality leaders that I look up to.”

“I am really excited to be able to take what I have learnt from each of them, combine it with how I approach the game and continue to grow and learn along the way."

On Satterthwaite's influence on her and the team over the years, Molineux said that the 34-year-old's wealth of knowledge and her ability to ability to stay composed is something she has always admired.

She also added that it would be great to work alongside head coach Simon Helmot and the other senior players in the squad. "I’m grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to step up into a leadership position, and I hope we can have a really strong season.”

Helmot said that the allrounder is tactically astute, trusted and highly respected across the playing group. “Sophie has fantastic relationships within the squad. She has had an excellent apprenticeship working under some great captains, including Amy, who has helped nurture so much of our young talent," he said.

“That grounding under such leadership will have Sophie well prepared. We are excited to see this next phase in her career, and we will support her along the way. We look forward to the start of a sustained period of success for the club under Sophie’s leadership,” he concluded.