Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Star England duo Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont play in their first trial match for the Thunder
Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont played their first trial match for the Thunder on Thursday.
In what was Sydney Thunder’s final practice match before WBBL|06 begins on Sunday, England recruits Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont wore the lime green for the first time in a competitive match.
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The Thunder defeated the Perth Scorchers by three runs in a tightly contested match at Blacktown International Sportspark.
“We got time in the middle for the internationals – Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont – which was really important with them coming out of quarantine (this week),” said Sydney Thunder WBBL Head Coach Trevor Griffin.
The Thunder successfully defended 5/130 restricting Perth to 8/127 from its 20 overs. The win followed a comprehensive eight-wicket trial win over the Sixers last week, who the Thunder meet again on Sunday at North Sydney Oval to open the campaign.
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New recruit off-spinner Lauren Smith was the stand-out bowler for the Thunder claiming 3-29 from her four overs. Fellow spinners Sam Bates (2-17) and Rachel Trenaman (2-22) were the other multiple wicket takers.
Beaumont (25 from 27) opened the batting for the Thunder, while her national captain Knight made a quick fire 19 from as many balls at No. 3.
The highest score of any batter, in either team, was 29 from 18 balls by Thunder captain Rachael Haynes batting at No. 6.
Griffin said the practice match was a chance to look at combinations.
“It gives you a chance to give players time in the middle, and miles in the legs for the players and the fielders,” Griffin said.
“Sammy-Jo Johnson came in at the back end and showed what she can do.” The hard-hitting allrounder hit 19 from just nine deliveries. Johnson also claimed 1-32.
Reflecting on the very different circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Griffin said the practice matches took on extra importance.
“It’s going to be a very different tournament for everybody, in previous seasons a lot of these teams would have played in some WNCL rounds, but that hasn’t happened this year and we’ve been fortunate to have a practice game against the Sixers and today’s match against the Scorchers.
“Two games under their belts, I think there are still some things to work through, but the girls are working hard and we’ll be fine for the Sixers on Sunday.”
Sydney Thunder WBBL|06 Tickets
Sunday 25 October | Vs Sydney Sixers | North Sydney Oval | 1:45PM
Saturday 31 October | Vs Adelaide Strikers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 12:15PM
Sunday 1 November | Vs Brisbane Heat | Sydney Showground Stadium | 10:20AM
Wednesday 4 November | Vs Perth Scorchers | Blacktown International Sportspark | 2:30PM
Wednesday 11 November | Vs Brisbane Heat | Blacktown International Sportspark | 7:05PM
Saturday 14 November | Vs Melbourne Stars | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7:05PM
Sunday 15 November | Vs Perth Scorchers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 10:20AM
Wednesday 18 November | Vs Sydney Sixers | Blacktown International Sportspark | 7:05PM
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