The Melbourne Renegades, a prominent participant in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), have etched their name in the annals of women’s T20 cricket. This article offers an insightful glimpse into the history, captaincy records, and the resilient journey of this remarkable cricket team.
A Brief History:
Founding of the Team: The Melbourne Renegades were among the pioneering eight teams that marked the inception of the WBBL. Aligned with the men’s team of the same name, the Renegades made a notable entry into the league.
Leadership and Captaincy: The journey began when Lachlan Stevens was entrusted with the role of head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in June 2015. Following this, in a grand unveiling at the official WBBL launch on July 10, Sarah Elliott was introduced as the team’s first-ever signing. Elliott assumed the pivotal role of inaugural captain, leading from the front.
Inaugural Season and Triumphs: The Renegades ventured into their first match on December 11, taking on the Hobart Hurricanes at Aurora Stadium in Launceston. While the match resulted in a loss by 35 runs, the Renegades soon found their footing. It was in their fifth match, a faceoff with the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on December 20, that they secured their first victory, marking the beginning of their journey in the WBBL.
Evolution of Leadership: The Renegades have seen a lineage of dedicated leaders over the years, each contributing to the team’s spirit and performance. From Sarah Elliott and Molly Strano to Rachel Priest, Amy Satterthwaite, Jess Duffin, Sophie Molineux, and Hayley Matthews, the Renegades have been guided by diverse captains, each leaving their unique imprint on the team’s history.
Captaincy Records:
- Sarah Elliott (2015–2016): Sarah Elliott led the Renegades in their initial phase, overseeing 10 matches with three wins, shaping the team’s early identity.
- Molly Strano (2016–2019): Molly Strano, who took charge for two matches, achieved a 50% win rate during her tenure.
- Rachel Priest (2016–2017): Priest steered the team for 16 matches and played a pivotal role in the Renegades’ early seasons.
- Kris Britt (2016): Kris Britt’s captaincy stint, though brief, boasted a perfect record of one win in one match.
- Amy Satterthwaite (2017–2020): One of the team’s most influential leaders, Satterthwaite captained in 42 matches and secured 17 wins, establishing the Renegades as formidable contenders.
- Jess Duffin (2019): Jess Duffin held the reins for 14 matches, achieving a balanced record of seven wins and seven losses.
- Sophie Molineux (2021–present): Sophie Molineux currently leads the team, guiding them through 25 matches and counting.
- Hayley Matthews (2022): Matthews, the latest captain, achieved a perfect record by securing wins in both of her matches in charge.
| Captain | Span | M | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | W–L% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Elliott | 2015–2016 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 30.00 |
| Molly Strano | 2016–2019 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Rachel Priest | 2016–2017 | 16 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 37.50 |
| Kris Britt | 2016 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Amy Satterthwaite | 2017–2020 | 42 | 17 | 23 | 0 | 2 | 42.50 |
| Jess Duffin | 2019 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Sophie Molineux | 2021–present | 25 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 41.67 |
| Hayley Matthews | 2022 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
The Melbourne Renegades have been an embodiment of resilience and growth in the WBBL, with an evolving roster of leaders steering the way. As they continue to forge their legacy, their journey is a testament to their unwavering determination and commitment to the game.
By Opposition
| Opposition | M | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | W–L% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide Strikers | 17 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 50.00 |
| Brisbane Heat | 16 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 43.75 |
| Hobart Hurricanes | 16 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 37.50 |
| Melbourne Stars | 15 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 57.14 |
| Perth Scorchers | 15 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Sydney Sixers | 17 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 37.50 |
| Sydney Thunder | 16 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 43.75 |
| Total | 112 | 47 | 62 | 0 | 3 | 43.12 |
Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL: Setting Records and Achieving Milestones
The Melbourne Renegades, a prominent team in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), have not only made a mark with their stellar performances but have also set remarkable records and established a legacy in women’s T20 cricket. This article provides an in-depth look into the key statistics and accomplishments of the Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL.
Setting Records:
- Highest Score in an Innings: The Melbourne Renegades achieved their highest innings score of 4/207 (20 overs) against the Brisbane Heat on November 6, 2021. This impressive display of batting prowess showcased their ability to dominate on the field.
- Highest Successful Chase: The Renegades successfully chased down a target of 4/185 (19 overs) against the Brisbane Heat on November 27, 2019. This remarkable feat highlighted their resilience and ability to emerge victorious under pressure.
- Lowest Successful Defence: The Renegades defended a target of 110 (20 overs) against the Sydney Thunder on November 7, 2020, exhibiting their proficiency in the art of bowling and fielding.
- Largest Victory: In the category of batting first, the Renegades secured a resounding victory with a lead of 48 runs against the Melbourne Stars on January 1, 2019. In a contest where they batted second, they secured a dominant win with 55 balls remaining against the Brisbane Heat on December 23, 2017.
- Longest Winning Streak: The Renegades achieved a commendable winning streak of four matches, showcasing their consistency and form on the field.
- Longest Losing Streak: The team faced a challenging phase, enduring a losing streak of six matches from October 18 to November 3, 2022. This period of adversity, however, contributed to their growth and resilience.
Individual Stats and Achievements:
- Most Runs: Sophie Molineux leads the individual runs category for the Renegades, amassing an impressive total of 1,506 runs. Her consistency with the bat has been a cornerstone of the team’s success.
- Highest Score in an Innings: Danni Wyatt delivered a standout performance with a remarkable score of 87 (55) against the Brisbane Heat on November 27, 2019, proving her mettle as a top-order batter.
- Highest Partnership: Sophie Molineux and Emma Inglis formed a formidable partnership, achieving a record-breaking partnership of 102* runs against the Hobart Hurricanes on January 14, 2018.
- Most Wickets: Molly Strano has been a key asset for the Renegades in the bowling department, taking an impressive total of 104 wickets in WBBL matches.
- Best Bowling Figures in an Innings: Molly Strano’s spell of 5/15 (4 overs) against the Melbourne Stars on January 2, 2016, remains one of the standout performances in the team’s history.
- Most Catches (Fielder): Sophie Molineux has proven to be a safe pair of hands in the field, taking an impressive total of 35 catches in her WBBL career.
- Most Dismissals (Wicket-Keeper): Josie Dooley leads in the wicket-keeping department, securing a total of 38 dismissals, including 27 catches and 11 stumpings.
Individual Awards:
- Player of the Match: Sophie Molineux stands as the leader in this category, having been named Player of the Match 11 times, highlighting her significant contributions to the Renegades’ success. Danni Wyatt and Amy Satterthwaite have also received this accolade multiple times, demonstrating their invaluable roles.
- WBBL Player of the Tournament: Amy Satterthwaite and Harmanpreet Kaur have both been recognized as the WBBL Player of the Tournament, highlighting their exceptional performances in past seasons.
The Melbourne Renegades have set high standards of excellence in the WBBL, with their impressive statistics, individual achievements, and accolades reflecting their commitment to the game. As they continue to chase glory in the league, their legacy of records and accomplishments will inspire the next generation of cricketers.
