Depth helps Thunder rumble on in Big Bash
A DEPTH in batting and a host of options with the ball has Sydney Thunder captain Alex Blackwell more than pleased with how her side is tracking early in the women’s Big Bash season.
On three wins from four so far and sitting third, Blackwell is focused on getting the most from the team to keep gunning for a top four finish.
The addition of Kiwi international Rachel Priest this season has made their batting line-up deeper and the availability of Belinda Vakarewa after injury puts Thunder in a strong position going into back-to-back games against a winless Hobart Hurricanes today and tomorrow.
“We have a really strong team and I’m very happy with the balance,” Blackwell said.
“In game one, I was really happy to see our depth tested. Naomi Stalenberg (47 off 17) and Nicola Carey batting at six and seven, the impact they had on the game.
“I get really excited by that, the depth in our batting order.
“Seeing Lisa Griffith get a run and make her debut, she’s a really promising cricketer, and Belinda Vakarewa back after missing the first few games through injury, it causes some headaches from a selection point of view.”
Blackwell has been learning what her team can do throughout their opening four matches.
Known West Indian big- hitter Stafanie Taylor has shown her skills with the ball, having taken 3/65 to date.
Blackwell plans to keep exploring every possible option available to her in the coming weeks before finals start in early February.
“It’d be really good for us to keep refining our new ball options – and have multiple new ball options – and also people who can finish with the ball,” she said.
I GET REALLY EXCITED BY THAT, THE DEPTH IN OUR BATTING ORDER ALEX BLACKWELL