Melbourne Renegades batswoman Jess Duffin on Friday pulled out of the upcoming season of the Women’s Big Bash League. The 31-year-old has withdrawn from the tournament for the maternity commitments to spend time with her daughter.
Jess had given birth to a girl on on June 21 and also became the first elite women’s player to take the new parental leave policy. She was unavailable for the women’s T20 World Cup in February and March due to her pregnancy.
Duffin became the skipper of the Renegades in the 2019/20 season and had a superb season with the bat. She scored 544 runs in 13 matches at a remarkable average of 68.00.
The Renegades named Duffin in the squad for the upcoming season but the latter is unsure about her participation in the tournament.
“I’ve always prided myself on my preparation and there just hasn’t been that opportunity this year,” Duffin said in a statement.
The upcoming season of the WBBL is set to begin from October 17 with the first match between Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers.
“I’ll obviously be in touch with the team and offer whatever support and help I can remotely during the season.” Duffin added.
In Duffin’s absence, Amy Satterthwaite will return as the skipper of the Renegades after missing out of the last season due to pregnancy.
