Kim Garth, a former Ireland international, has committed to the Melbourne Stars for the next three years, signing a three-year WBBL contract.

Garth, 26, has 85 ODI and T20I caps for Ireland, but she hasn’t played for the country since 2019 and moved to Australia full-time in 2020 after signing a WNCL deal with Victoria. She’ll be classified as a local player now that her residency is over.

Garth was a bright spot for the Stars in a disappointing WBBL season last year, winning Player of the Season with 15 wickets, including a spectacular opening session of 3-3-0-3 against Sydney Thunder, and batting at 27.33.

Garth will play for a Stars team that will be led by new coach Jonathan Batty.

“I’m loving my time in Melbourne and can’t wait to play with the Melbourne Stars for the next three seasons,” Garth stated.

“I haven’t been home [to Ireland] in over two years, so getting back in the offseason has been fantastic, but I’m looking forward to getting back and putting in a solid block of work before the season starts, working with Jonathan and the entire coaching staff.”

“I haven’t had the chance to play in front of our members and fans at home yet which is something I’m really looking forward to in WBBL08.”

Blair Crouch, the Stars’ general manager, was ecstatic to extend Garth’s contract for another three years.

“Her energy on and off the field is contagious, and she has had a significant impact on the group in a short period of time,” he said. Kim has worked exceptionally hard on her game over the previous two seasons, and her growth with both the bat and the ball is a testament to her dedication.”