Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Hannah Darlington has crowned a memorable debut season in the Rebel Women’s Big Bash League by being awarded the Alex Blackwell Medal as Sydney Thunder’s Player of the Tournament.
Eighteen-year-old Darlington made her debut under lights in the season opener against the Sydney Sixers on the same day she sat her Year 12 English exam and went on to play every match for Thunder.
The talented all-rounder finished as Thunder’s leading wicket taker with 16 – and scored 81 runs at a strike rate of 105.19.
Darlington also grabbed one of the best catches of the season at Blacktown International Sportspark to win the match against the Melbourne Renegades.
As a result of her standout performances, Darlington was named the Rebel WBBL Young Gun of the Year and signed a new two-year deal with the club.
Darlington, who was raised in Sydney’s western suburbs and grew up idolising Alex Blackwell, said she was honoured to be voted by her teammates as the best player of the season.
“It’s really nice to be recognised by my teammates and the award is named after my idol so it’s extra special to receive,” Darlington said.
“I don’t think anyone expects to win player of the year in their debut season. I was just happy to be out there and helping the team.
“It’s a great motivation for next season. With a couple of star players leaving, hopefully I can play a bigger role within the team. It’s nice to know that I have a season under my belt, and a successful one at that.”
Hear from Hannah Darlington in the video below.
Runners Up
1. Hannah Darlington
2. Alex Blackwell
3. Shabim Ismail
4. Sam Bates
Previous Winners
WBBL|04 – Rachel Priest
WBBL|03 – Rachael Haynes
WBBL|02 – Harmanpreet Kaur
WBBL|01 – Stafanie Taylor
