Photo Credit: Sydney Sixers
The Sydney Sixers have confirmed the final two players on their roster for WBBL|06 with the signing of all-rounder Lisa Griffith and the return of veteran swing bowler Sarah Aley.
Griffith comes to the Sixers after three seasons with cross-town rival Thunder, while Aley, the second highest wicket-taker in the history of the WBBL with 83 scalps, will play her sixth season in the magenta of the Sixers.
Aley is expected to contribute to the Sixers both as a player and in an assistant coaching capacity.
Griffith, who grew up in Bathurst, Central West NSW, played 29 matches for the Thunder taking 11 wickets, after returning to the elite level of the game following a six-year hiatus she spent working on cattle stations throughout Australia’s northern states.
The 28-year-old will provide experience with bat and ball and also brings strong leadership skills having captained the NSW Breakers in five WNCL matches, including the Final loss to Western Australia, last summer.
Griffith said she was looking forward to immersing herself in the culture at the Sixers and learning from head coach Ben Sawyer, noting there were many positives awaiting at her new club.
“I am really excited to have the chance to work with Benny Sawyer, he’s a fantastic bowling coach,” Griffith said.
“Also to be able to play alongside players like Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy, who I grew up being inspired by and aspiring to be like, will be great. I know I can learn from the senior players.
“The Sixers pride themselves on playing an attacking brand of cricket and I hope that will also help improve my game.”
Griffith revealed she had chatted with Healy about a move to the Sixers before putting pen to paper.
“I caught up with Midge about her thoughts about coming across and she talked to me about the values the club has,” Griffith said.
“The family orientated nature of the club, the attacking brand of cricket – those things really appealed to me.”
The Penrith grade cricket star said she was equally thankful for her time at the Thunder and the opportunity that a move east offered.
“I’m extremely grateful for the time and opportunities I had at Thunder,” she said.
“I have come to the Sixers with an open mind and will be grateful for any opportunity.
“One thing I really want to do is improve my fielding abilities, contribute with the bat and ball and anything is a bonus really.”
The Sixers’ squad for WBBL|06: Sarah Aley, Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Maddy Darke, Ash Gardner, Lisa Griffith, Alyssa Healy, Jodie Hicks, Emma Hughes, Marizanne Kapp, Ellyse Perry ©, Ange Reakes, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Dane van Niekerk
