Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Exciting all-rounder earns contract after impressing as a replacement player in WBBL|05
Sydney Thunder has signed promising all-rounder Olivia Porter ahead of the upcoming Rebel Women’s Big Bash League season.
Porter, who led Universities to the NSW Women’s Premier Cricket First Grade T20 title during the 2019/20 season, joined the club as a Local Replacement Player in WBBL|05.
Thunder Head Coach Trevor Griffin said he was impressed by the teenager’s competitiveness in the nets.
“While Olivia didn’t play last season, she was really impressive at training,” Griffin said.
“She didn’t come into the nets and go easy on any of the other players and I really like that competitiveness.
“She bowls a heavy ball with good pace and some movement, and as a batter she wants to score runs and impose herself on the opposition.
“For me, it’s all about encouraging these young players to have courage and play the game their way so I’m really excited about being able to work closer with Olivia and see what she can do this season.”
An impressive 12 months has also seen Porter join the ACT Meteors for the domestic 2020/21 Women’s National Cricket League season.
Porter said signing with Thunder is a dream come true.
“I’ve grown up supporting Thunder since BBL|01 and I’ve always wanted to play for Thunder so when I got that call, I was just speechless,” she said.
“I know that being in an environment like Thunder, especially with players like Rachael Haynes, is the best way to learn so I’m very excited.
“Last season I was a bit starstruck being around all these players that I’ve watched from the grandstand and on TV but they’re all really lovely and made me feel very welcome.
“My number one goal this year is to play WBBL. I was there at Thunder’s first game of WBBL|01 in Penrith and I’d love to run out and show all the young fans that dreams do come true.”
This announcement follows the signing of Sammy-Jo Johnson, Lauren Smith and Anika Learoyd, as well as the re-signing of South African speedster Shabnim Ismail and local talent Kate Peterson.
Cricket Australia has confirmed the full 59-game season of the rebel WBBL|06 will be hosted in Sydney, beginning on Sunday 25 October.
Cricket Australia is working in partnership with the NSW Government to ensure the competition proceeds in line with government regulations and COVID safety guidelines, with the safety of the NSW community and all participations the highest priority.
Details regarding the fixture, venues, broadcast times will be released in due course.
