Hayley Matthews to head back for another WBBL season at Hobart Hurricanes

Star West Indian opener Hayley Matthews has cast her focus away from a home women’s World T20 to re-sign for Hobart Hurricanes.

The mainstay of Tasmania’s WBBL line-up is set to return for a fourth season.
The 20-year-old favourite, who joined as a young teenage talent, used words like “home” and “family” to describe how easy the decision was to recommit again.
“I’m very excited to be rejoining the Hurricanes for WBBL|04,” she said in a statement from the Caribbean.
“I’ve had three fantastic years with the team growing, learning so much and enjoying playing cricket among the group.
“Hobart is a very special place to me now – almost like a second home.
“The Hurricanes group has become like a family to me.”
Matthews could be excused for putting the WBBL campaign on the backburner ahead of a big clash against South Africa today.
The big hitter scored six off seven balls in the Windies’ opener against Bangladesh.
But she will now be hoping for more numbers akin to her impressive Canes’ record.
Matthews amassed 185 quick runs in BBL|02 and 297 runs the next season.
New Coach Salliann Briggs is delighted with her latest addition to the Hobart squad.
“It’s fantastic to have Hayley back once more,” Briggs said.
“What’s been exciting is seeing her development in purple year-on-year since she began playing, aged 17.
“I have no doubt Hayley’s great contribution to the team will lift again.”
The WBBL Hurricanes get their season underway on December 1 against Perth Scorchers in Melbourne.
The first home games are at Burnie’s West Park set down for December 8 and 9.
Hurricanes so far: Stefanie Daffara; Erin Fazackerley; Katelyn Fryett; Corinne Hall; Brooke Hepburn; Heather Knight [OS]; Hayley Matthews [OS]; Meg Phillips; Veronica Pyke; Georgia Redmayne (Examiner)