Melbourne Stars have made a great move before the new WBBL season as they acquired the service of South Africa allrounder Marizanne Kapp on a three-year deal. Kapp, who went to Sydney Thunder as the No. 1 draft pick last season, has been added under the new option which also allows clubs to sign one multi-year pre-draft player as well

However, Kapp’s decision came as she could work with Stars coach Jonathan Batty and former Australia captain Meg Lanning as well. Notably, the trio has been part of Delhi Capitals in the last two seasons of the WPL as well.

“I’ve been working with JB [Jonathan Batty] for a couple of years and then obviously working with Meg was a big factor for me moving, I like the way they work,” Kapp said.

However, Marizanne Kapp has earlier played for Sydney Sixers, where she was part of back-to-back titles as well, and Perth Scorchers where she was named Player of the Final in the 2021-22 season as well.

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“Marizanne is one of the best allrounders in the world” – Melbourne Stars general manager Blair Crouch

“Marizanne is one of the best allrounders in the world with an outstanding record at both domestic and international level,” Melbourne Stars general manager Blair Crouch said. “As well as her talents with both bat and ball she will add invaluable experience to our young squad in our quest to be among the challengers for WBBL 10.”

However, Kapp played a key role in South Africa’s tour of Australia earlier this year where she played an important role in their first ODI win over the home side with 75 and 3 for 12 at North Sydney Oval as well.

Marizanne Kapp also becomes the third overseas player in the WBBL to be signed before the draft following Amelia Kerr (Sydney Sixers) and Nadine de Klerk (Brisbane Heat). The draft is likely to take place in early September with the WBBL season due to start soon after the T20 World Cup in late October as well.