Sophie Molineux signs two year extension with Melbourne

Melbourne skipper Sophie Molineux signs a two year extension with the club, until the ninth edition of Women’s Australian T20 League in 2024. 

The 24 year old was appointed as the skipper of the franchise ahead of the 2021 season and led Melbourne to their maiden appearance. 

"I'm super pumped and really, really optimistic and looking forward to the next couple of years - especially after the last 12 months that we've had," Molineux said. "I was really lucky to have had that first year of captaincy under Simon Helmot. He definitely took me under his wing, and we had a great group of girls who were very willing to play any role they could for the team.

"It would have been nicer to have gone a couple (of games) deeper in the competition and have won it, but we've got a bit of a building block and a template to how we want to play and how we want to feel as a group off the field as well.

"I'm really looking forward to this year, to be able to come back to Melbourne, bring it back to our home state and play some home games in front of our fans."

Since making her debut in the inaugural edition, Molineux has made 87 appearances for Melbourne, and is a two time T20 World Series winner having represented Australia across all three formats. 

The all rounder was among the most economical bowlers in the seventh edition. She claimed 10 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 5.85. 

"Sophie is one of the best spin bowlers in Australia and a fantastic all-round cricketer who can impact games with bat, ball or in the field," Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten, said.

"At just 24 years of age, she is already a proven performer on the international stage and her best cricket is still to come.

"As a captain, Sophie was outstanding last year and her partnership with Simon Helmot in his first year as coach was a real game-changer for us. Sophie is a fierce competitor who leads by example on the field, has a great grasp on the game tactically and has helped to drive a strong culture within the group.

"Sophie is a passionate Renegades person and we couldn't be more excited to have her committed to being a key part of our future."