Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Title-winning skipper back for Thunder
Just a week after adding a Commonwealth Games gold medal to her World Cup triumphs, WBBL title-winning captain Rachael Haynes has recommitted to the Sydney Thunder.
It is a welcome return to Weber WBBL action for Haynes, a favourite with the Thunder Nation fans and the club’s all time leading run scorer, who led them to a famous victory in WBBL|06.
Haynes missed all of WBBL|07 last summer after first suffering an injury representing Australia before the tournament, then taking some personal leave for the birth of her first child, Hugo, with partner Leah Poulton.
Her re-entry to the WBBL after that was blocked by the various COVID-19 related border restrictions at the time.
In 85 matches and 84 innings for Thunder since WBBL|01, Haynes has amassed 1,919 runs, with a highest score of 78 not out amongst 10 half centuries. Remarkably she has only been dismissed for a duck twice in that time.
The veteran of six Tests, 77 ODI’s and 84 T20 matches for Australia, said she was happy to be back in lime green and chasing another WBBL crown.
“It was hard not being able to play WBBL last season for a variety of reasons and I can’t wait to get back out there and represent the Thunder Nation,” Haynes said.
“We have such an exciting bunch of talented young players that provide plenty of energy and I’m keen to see how far they have come in the year I was away from the team.
“This club means so much more to me than just results on the field and the chance to get back out and engage with our community is something else that I’m looking forward to.”
Thunder’s WBBL List Manager and club legend Alex Blackwell said Haynes re-signing was a priority for the team.
“Rach is such an integral part of the Sydney Thunder and we are so pleased to have her back on board for WBBL|08,” Blackwell, who captained the Thunder to the inaugural WBBL title, said.
“Obviously she is an elite player on the field and she has become one of the most sought after batters and leaders in world cricket.
“However, it is off the field where Rach brings even greater value, as she encourages all players to embrace their opportunity to connect with the Thunder community and inspire the next generation of participants and fans.”
