The Hobart Hurricanes have finalised their captain, wicket-keeper and international imports as they prepare for the first-ever stand-alone WBBL season this weekend.
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Corinne Hall, who has featured in 55 matches for the Tasmanian franchise, will return to the captaincy role she held in 2017-18 for the season-openers against Melbourne Stars at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Hall replaces all-rounder Sasha Moloney as the team's make-up undergoes a major overhaul with up to six debutants expected to play at Junction Oval.
The 32-year-old batter said she was surprised when head coach Salliann Briggs asked about her interest in returning to the role while away on pre-season camp in Queensland last month.
"I'm proud to lead this group of players whom I have so much respect and admiration for as cricketers and people," she said.
"I'll do everything I can to get the best out of our team and I look forward to working with all our new, exciting players and those players who have been based in Hobart long-term."
Briggs said Hall brings "a great level of energy and passion to the role".
The Hurricanes have also announced their final signing for the season is wicketkeeper Emily Smith, who returns following two years playing for Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers.
"I loved my time in Perth but it's great to be back with the Hurricanes," Smith, 24, said.
Briggs added: "We're really pleased with the group we've been able to assemble for the first-ever standalone WBBL season."
When Heather Knight departs to play for England against Pakistan late in the tournament, Hayley Matthews will be an international replacement player following her series for the West Indies against India.