Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Sydney Thunder are set to embark on a new era this summer, today announcing the world-class venue – Cricket Central – as their new home ahead of Weber WBBL|09.
Thunder are scheduled to play four matches at the venue across the upcoming season, with games against the Melbourne Renegades, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes and reigning champions, the Adelaide Strikers, part of the complete WBBL|09 fixture due to be announced by the league tomorrow.
A new home venue is just the beginning of the next generation for the Thunder women, with the recent appointment of new Head Coach – Lisa Keightley – and a new captain to be named following the retirement of Thunder legend, Rachael Haynes, at the end of last season. ‘
Headlined by young-guns Hannah Darlington, Anika Learoyd, and current Australian representative, Phoebe Litchfield – Thunder look set to bounce back from their tumultuous last summer, with the two-time title winning club ready to climb back up the WBBL ladder.
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Officially opening its doors in August last year, Cricket Central – the home of Cricket NSW – boasts 15 indoor nets, 43 outdoor cricket lanes, a state-of-the-art gym, function spaces and medical rooms, in addition to the ICC compliant playing oval.
The venue is also set to host a slew of domestic cricket, including Marsh Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup matches, WNCL fixtures and a women’s international tour match this summer.
Head of Sydney Thunder, Andrew Gilchrist said:
“Today’s announcement of a new home for our women’s team marks the start of a new era for Sydney Thunder.
“Cricket Central is a state-of-the-art facility fit for the world-class athletes that our competition brings each year. The best players in the world deserve the best facilities and we have great confidence that Cricket Central can provide that.
“This venue gives us the opportunity to bring our fans closer to the action of the WBBL and to their heroes on-field. We can’t wait to see Cricket Central officially transformed into ‘Thunder Central’ ahead of our first game and welcome the Thunder Nation to our new home base.
“We’re hugely excited about the appointment of our new Head Coach, Lisa Keightley, and we’re really optimistic about what she’s going to bring to our group. We know our Thunder members and fans are looking forward to seeing what the side can produce this summer.”
Sydney Thunder WBBL|09 Squad:
Head Coach: Lisa Keightley
Contracted for WBBL|09: Hannah Darlington, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Lauren Smith.
