New coach: Thunder can come good
CRICKET CHRIS OSTICK ALEX Blackwell is confident Lancashire Thunder can arrest a disappointing first two years of the Kia Women’s Super League and challenge for this summer’s title.
The former Australia captain has taken over as the Thunder’s new head coach from Steve Titchard.
The Red Rose have won only one match in the first two years of the competition, although Blackwell – a player with Yorkshire Diamonds in the inaugural KSL in 2016 – is encouraged by her early impressions of the squad.
Ahead of her first head coach’s role, Blackwell, from New South Wales, said: “This is a competition that’s shaping up really well.
“I don’t really feel the first couple of years ●● Alex Blackwell head coach’s role before. However, I’ve captained teams, especially in T20 competitions, particularly the Sydney Thunder.
“To still be a current player, I think that proximity to the game could be a real advantage to bring into this role.
“As a captain for so many years, I’ve probably thought about the game similar to how a coach might. I know the players very well having played with or against them very recently. I’ll be coaching some of my good mates. It will be interesting.”
Blackwell also has a life away from cricket, and accepts coaching may not be for her long-term.
“I have another career behind me as a genetic counsellor,” she added.
“I have interests in the health and medical field, which is where my past education has been. But I have a huge interest in the highperformance sports world, and also in leadership.
“I’m passionate about not letting all I’ve accumulated over a long and successful international career, those skills and experiences, be lost to the game.
“I think I can bring many strengths to this role.
“I’m really looking forward to it, experiencing the challenges that come and learning from them. I’ll be giving this all I’ve got.”
The Thunder’s first game of this summer’s KSL is against Loughborough Lightning at Southport on July 22.
‘Winning a tournament is within our reach’