Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Young gun commits to the Thunder Nation for a further two seasons
Wicketkeeper-batter Tahlia Wilson has re-signed with Sydney Thunder for a further two years following the club’s WBBL|06 success last season.
Wilson, 21, is among several exciting young players who were part of the title-winning run who have already committed to the Thunder for WBBL|07, including Phoebe Litchfield and Hannah Darlington.
“I’m really looking forward to being onboard again for the next two seasons,” Wilson said.
“Especially with all the young talent coming through and a few experienced heads in there as well.”
Following her first two seasons with the Thunder, Wilson enjoyed a breakout season during WBBL|06 being given the gloves full time for the first time at the elite level.
Wilson is a top order batter in the longer 50-over format for the NSW Breakers, but in her own words taking the gloves and adapting to a role lower down the order has taken her cricket to the next level.
“During that first season I was obviously seen more as a batter, and to be able to get that exposure out on the field was really good, but the second year for me was where I took some leaps and bounds,” Wilson said.
“I think that really took my keeping to another level. Captain Rachael Haynes gave me some more responsibility (in terms of helping with field placements) and that really helped me develop my cricket knowledge behind the stumps.”
Wilson earned her first WBBL contract with the Sydney Sixers before making the move cross-town to the Thunder. She has been part of the NSW Breakers since 2017, making her Women’s National Cricket League debut in November 2018.
During that time, it has been Wilson’s work ethic that has really stood out to NSW Head of Elite Female Cricket Leah Poulton, who also coached her at the Australian Under 19 level.
“Tahlia came through Pathway cricket as a top order bat who could keep if required, then in the last two or three years just through sheer determination and hard work, she’s really carved out a role for herself as a genuine keeper bat,” Poulton said.
“It’s not just the fact that she’s improved, it’s the work ethic she’s shown and the way she’s gone about her training that’s impressed everyone at the club, they’re the sort of players that you want to invest in for the long-term.
“It’s a really big signing for us.”
Contracted for WBBL|07: Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Kate Peterson, Lauren Smith, Tahlia Wilson.
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