CRICKET

WBBL

By TOM HAYES

 

FORMER Trafalgar and Morwell cricketer, Nicole Faltum is going back to where it all started as far as her WBBL career goes.

Faltum has made the move from the Melbourne Stars to their crosstown rival, Melbourne Renegades.

Faltum, who captained the Stars during the 2022/23 season, penned a two-year contract which would’ve seen her through with the Stars until the end of the upcoming 2024/25 season.

However, things have changed since.

At times during last season, Faltums played in the same team as Sophie Reid, and was shunted in favour of Reid taking the wicket-keeping gloves.

After six seasons with the Stars, Faltum has opted for a change the chance to be the recognised keeper once again, deciding to sign for the Renegades ahead of WBBL10 (2024/25 season).

Joining the Renegades is a full circle achievement for Faltum.

She requested a trade from the Stars to the Renegades last week, with the deal going through not so long after.

New colours: Local cricket export Nicole Faltum has traded the green of Melbourne Stars for the red of Melbourne Renegades ahead of the next WBBL season. Photograph: Melbourne Renegades

Faltum was known to be a Renegades supporter growing up, joining the club as early as WBBL02 as a rookie, before moving to the Stars permanently in the years following.

“The Renegades are home for me in a lot of ways, I’m super keen to join the girls and get stuck into the season,” Faltum said.

“I was lucky enough to get a lot of playing opportunities early in my career and I’m grateful for it, but now looking forward to drawing upon that experience in red now and hopefully contribute to some success at the Gades.”

Also joining the Renegades from the Stars is pace bowler, Milly Illingworth.

Faltum’s Stars finished the WBBL09 season in seventh, with only the Renegades finishing beneath them.

Despite sitting next to one another on the ladder, the Stars won four more games than their Melbourne rivals.

Faltum has represented Victoria on multiple occasions and is slowly putting up consistent numbers with the bat.

During the 2023/24 National Women’s Cricket League, Faltum averaged 47, including three half centuries and a high score of 86.

She has been named as Victoria’s best player for the last three seasons.

Melbourne Renegades get their season underway on the opening day of the 2024/25 season, hosting Sydney Sixers on Sunday, October 27 from 5.10pm, in a double header at Adelaide Oval.