Everything you need to get up to speed with how the Sydney Thunder are shaping up ahead of the first standalone season of the Rebel WBBL
WBBL|05 Fan’s guide: Sydney Thunder
No club has experienced more change than the Sydney Thunder this off-season.
First, there’s been the departures of Nicola Carey, Maisy Gibson and Belinda Vakarewa to the Hobart Hurricanes, followed by Windies star Stafanie Taylor’s move to the Strikers, while India superstar Harmanpreet Kaur won’t return this season with international duties getting in the way.
But never fear, Thunder fans, there’s good news, too.
There’s the signing of Nida Dar, the first Pakistani woman to earn a WBBL contact, and fiery South African quick Shabnim Ismail, one of the fastest bowlers in the game.
The ace in the pack could be new coach Trevor Griffin; he led Western Storm to two English Super League titles and his expertise will be pivotal in bringing this new-look side together, as will the leadership of Rachael Haynes, who has taken over the captaincy from Alex Blackwell.
WBBL|04 result: Semi-finalist
Squad: Rachael Haynes (Aus)(c), Sam Bates, Alex Blackwell, Nida Dar (Pak), Hannah Darlington, Rene Farrell, Lisa Griffith, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail (SA), Phoebe Litchfield, Kate Peterson, Rachel Priest (NZ), Naomi Stalenberg, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia Wilson
In: Tahlia Wilson (Sixers), Nida Dar (Pakistan), Shabnim Ismail (SA), Kate Peterson, Phoebe Litchfield
Out: Nicola Carey (Hurricanes), Maisy Gibson (Hurricanes), Belinda Vakarewa (Hurricanes), Stafanie Taylor (Strikers), Harmanpreet Kaur
The word from Australia great and Fox Cricket commentator Mel Jones:
"With all the changes, the key to success for the Thunder is the new coach in Trevor Griffin. He’s been there and done that in the Kia Super League, he won two titles over there with the Western Storm. He galvanised that group really well and he can bring that experience to this new group, get them on the park and get them playing well and hopefully get them playing finals."
One to watch: Phoebe Litchfield. Remember the name. Litchfield is just 16 years old but has already played for Australia’s Under 19s and the Governor-General’s XI, while a video of her batting in the nets for NSW during the winter went viral as fans quickly clocked her textbook technique. She’s been compared to Australian batter Nicole Bolton by the Aussie great Shelley Nitschke and looks to have a big future ahead of her.
Some pretty good shots here. Introducing Phoebe Litchfield. pic.twitter.com/IR1umhErky— NSW Breakers (@NSWBreakers) July 9, 2019
The pressure is on: Rachael Haynes. The Australian vice-captain has taken over the Thunder leadership this season and is tasked with bringing together a new-look list alongside new coach Trevor Griffin. She heads into the Big Bash season fresh off scoring a maiden international century and her batting at the top of the order could also prove make-or-break for a team hoping to repeat last year’s top-four finish, particularly given the loss of India star Kaur and Windies skipper Taylor.
Possible starting XI: Rachael Haynes, Rachel Priest, Naomi Stalenberg, Alex Blackwell, Nida Dar, Hannah Darlington, Rachel Trenaman, Rene Farrell, Lisa Griffith, Sam Bates, Shabnim Ismail
Fixtures
Check out the full WBBL|05 fixture here
October 18 v Sixers, North Sydney Oval (7.40pm)
October 20 v Heat, North Sydney Oval (2.10pm)
October 26 v Renegades, Blacktown (7pm)
October 27 v Stars, Bankstown (2pm)
November 2 v Hurricanes, West Park, Burnie (2pm)
November 3 v Hurricanes, West Park, Burnie (11am)
November 10 v Scorchers, Karen Rolton Oval (10am)
November 12 v Scorchers, WACA (5.30pm)
November 15 v Sixers, Drummoyne Oval (7.10pm)
November 16 v Heat, Drummoyne Oval (7.10pm)
November 20 v Strikers, Wollongong (7.10pm)
November 24 v Hurricanes, Blundstone Arena (2.30pm)
November 27 v Stars, Manuka Oval (2.30pm)
December 1 v Renegades, Junction Oval (10.30am)
All times local
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