Matthews hoping for final flourish

West Indies Captain Hayley Matthews is hoping for a strong finish to the Women’s Big Bash League, after failing to get among the runs for Melbourne Renegades in the first 10 games of the season.

The right-hander, who is also leading Renegades for the campaign, has gathered only 139 runs from ten innings at an average of just under 13, with a highest score of 32 in a painful four-run loss to cross town rivals Melbourne Stars.

In the outing at Junction Oval, Matthews slipped down the order to number four from her usual opening position, and now hopes the move can also pay dividends.

“It was nice to get out there and have a bit of space and a bit of time in the middle of the innings,” said the 26-year-old cricketer.

“It would’ve been great if I’d been able to take it home in the end but at the same time, it’s a good start for me late on in the tournament.

“Hopefully I can kick on from here and bring a lot more to the Renegades throughout the end of the season.”

Matthews’ struggles have mirrored those of the Renegades, the franchise having now lost eight straight games and nine of ten for the season.

They lie rock bottom of the eight-team league with two points, and with only four games remaining in their campaign, have already been eliminated from qualifying for the championship game.

With their latest defeat coming at the hands of Stars, Matthews said that result had been especially painful.