By Zainab Shafiq 
In a dramatic twist just hours before the WBBL draft, Melbourne Renegades were forced to overhaul their game plan as star player Hayley Matthews was ruled out of the upcoming season due to shoulder surgery. The timing couldn’t have been worse, with the draft imminent and Matthews a key part of their two-year strategy as a pre-draft signing, her absence is a significant setback.
Matthews’ shoulder injury, sustained during fielding duties in the first ODI against England, has now ended her WBBL 2025 campaign before it began. Though she pushed through the pain to participate in the South Africa ODIs and will continue in the T20Is and the Women’s Caribbean Premier League for Barbados Royals, surgery awaits her soon after, a decision made easier by the West Indies’ absence from the Women’s ODI World Cup. She is expected to miss the remainder of the calendar year, including the WBBL season.
Hayley Matthews’ Impact for Melbourne Renegades Last Season Will Be Missed
The Renegades’ 2024 title win was built largely around Matthews’ all-round brilliance. She led the scoring charts for her side with 324 runs at a striking 130.64 and played a vital role with the ball, claiming 14 wickets and maintaining one of the best economy rates in the squad. Her Player of the Match performance in the final, a gritty 69 off 61 balls and two wickets, remains fresh in fans’ memories.
Losing someone of her calibre and influence is more than a tactical challenge. It’s an emotional one too. “Hayley has been central to our success, both as a cricketer and a leader,” said James Rosengarten, Renegades’ general manager. “We’re all disappointed, but we know her heart remains with us.”
Now, with Matthews sidelined, Melbourne Renegades faced the daunting task of filling all three overseas spots at Thursday’s WBBL draft. However, they formed a formidabe squad:
Melbourne Renegades Squad
Coach: Simon Helmot
Contracted: Alice Capsey, Emma de Broughe, Deandra Dottin, Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth, Naomi Stalenberg
In: Tess Flintoff
Out: Ella Hayward, Georgia Prestwidge, Hayley Matthews (injury), Linsey Smith
Off Contract: Sarah Coyte, Josie Dooley, Nicole Faltum, Sophie Molineux, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb, Tara Norris
Still, with coach Simon Helmot recently confirmed for another three seasons, there’s continuity in leadership, something the Renegades will need as they reimagine their squad without their headline act.
Also, see:
WBBL 11 Complete Squads for All Teams