Jonathan Batty replaces Jarrad Loughman as Head Coach of Melbourne Stars

Jonathan Batty, the inaugural women's Hundred winner, has been named the new coach of the Melbourne Stars for the next WBBL season.

Batty, who spent nearly two decades playing county cricket for Surrey, Gloucestershire, and Northamptonshire, guided Oval Invincibles to the Hundred title last season.

The former wicketkeeper-batter will be the Stars' third WBBL coach in three seasons. Batty succeeds Jarrad Loughman, who was only in charge of the Stars for one season but is still Victoria's women's coach in the WNCL. Trent Woodhill, who guided the Stars to their first WBBL final in 2020-21, was replaced by Loughnan when Sydney Thunder defeated them.

Batty brings a lot of expertise teaching women's cricket in England with him to Melbourne. He is currently the coach of both the Invincibles and Surrey Women, and in 2020, he led the South-East Stars to the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. He's also worked with England's Under 17s and women's wicketkeepers.

"I can't wait to get started," Batty said. "I've been watching the competition from afar for a few years, and it's been a sector-leading championship for women's cricket around the world." 

"Being a part of a team like the Melbourne Stars and working with such a talented squad led by some outstanding world-class players was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I'm excited to work with Meg Lanning, an exceptional captain, and I'm looking forward to coming to Melbourne."

After coming sixth last season, Stars general manager Blair Crouch was optimistic that Batty could lead them back to the championships.

"Every season, our goal is to reach the finals, and we're hoping Jonathan can help us maximise the amazing talent in our group," Couch said. "A global search was conducted to find our new Head Coach, and Jonathan stood out among a strong field of candidates."

Melbourne Stars won just 5 out of 14 games last season, finishing in the 6th spot on the points table. With a captain like Meg Lanning at disposal, it will be interesting to see how Batty performs in Australia.