Sydney Thunder head coach Lisa Keightley has named a 13-player squad for her side's rematch with the Perth Scorchers at the MCG on Friday, November 15 (3:45pm AEDT).
Thunder announce squad for crucial clash with Scorchers at the MCG
This fixture marks the second meeting between Thunder and the Scorchers this season, following their encounter at Drummoyne Oval on Tuesday night, where Thunder were defeated.
Reflecting on the team's performance, Keightley emphasised the importance of recalibrating and building on their strengths for this next showdown.
“While we didn't get the result we wanted on Tuesday, we know when we are at our best, we are hard to beat,” Keightley said.
“We’ve identified key areas to work on, and we'll be focusing on refining our execution and playing to our strengths. The players are ready to respond in Melbourne.
“We can’t take anything away from the Scorchers; they played with great intensity, especially their bowling attack, and we’ll be looking to match that energy on neutral ground.
“Playing at the MCG gives us a fantastic chance to regroup, and the team is excited to put on a strong performance.”
This match will be a landmark occasion for WBBL veteran Sammy-Jo Johnson, who will be making her debut appearance at the iconic MCG. Johnson, who has been a part of the league since its inaugural season, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming experience.
“I’ve been looking forward to this game all season,” Johnson admitted.
“It’s an incredible feeling to finally get the chance to play on one of the world’s most famous grounds. I’ve heard so much about that ground, and I can’t wait to be out there with my teammates.
“The MCG is such a special venue in Australian sport, and it's a bit surreal that this will be my first time playing here. I have played at every other stadium in Australia and will now be able to add the MCG to that list. I’ll be giving it everything to make it a memorable match for Thunder fans.”
Thunder will return home to Drummoyne Oval this Sunday, November 17 for the Sydney Smash. The highly anticipated rematch with the Sydney Sixers is expected to draw a big crowd, with a Cricket & Culture Festival running alongside the on-field action. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Sydney Thunder squad v Perth Scorchers:
- Phoebe Litchfield (C) (18)
- Chamari Athapaththu (99)
- Sam Bates (34)
- Ella Briscoe (35)
- Hannah Darlington (25)
- Sienna Eve (19)
- Shabnim Ismail (89)
- Sammy-Jo Johnson (58)
- Heather Knight (5)
- Anika Learoyd (4)
- Taneale Peschel (6)
- Georgia Voll (13)
- Tahlia Wilson (21)
Fans can catch the action live on Channel 7, 7Plus, Fox Cricket, and Kayo on Friday, November 15 from 3:45pm AEST.
Sydney Thunder WBBL|10 Squad
Head Coach: Lisa Keightley
Contracted Players for WBBL|10: Phoebe Litchfield (C), Georgia Adams, Chamari Athapaththu, Sam Bates, Ella Briscoe, Hannah Darlington, Sienna Eve, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Heather Knight, Anika Learoyd, Claire Moore, Taneale Peschel, Georgia Voll, Tahlia Wilson.
Remaining Sydney Thunder WBBL|10 Fixtures (all times AEDT):
- Friday, November 15 | v Perth Scorchers | MCG | 3:45pm
- Sunday, November 17 | v Sydney Sixers | Drummoyne Oval | 5:25pm
- Wednesday, November 20 | v Melbourne Stars | Drummoyne Oval | 6:10pm
- Saturday, November 30 | v Melbourne Renegades | CitiPower Centre | 10:00am