After deputising behind Alyssa Healy at the Sydney Sixers, Albion Park's Tahlia Wilson has declared she's ready to step out from the shadows in the upcoming Women's Big Bash League.
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Wilson was unveiled as the Sydney Thunder's latest signing for the upcoming season, the 19-year-old making the cross-town switch away from the Sixers in a bid to earn more playing time.
The wicketkeeper-batter is one of the state's most talented emerging juniors, with Wilson also making her debut for the NSW Breakers last summer.
Now that she's had that taste of elite competition, Wilson is determined to ensure she cements her place in the Thunder, and NSW, XI.
"It's a pretty exciting opportunity to be with the Thunder this year," Wilson said. "I have gone across town, but I'm really excited for the opportunity.
"Having more opportunities to play was definitely a big part of the decision, but also I'm ready for a fresh start.
"I'm hoping to be able to find some more game time this year and hopefully learn from the other experienced players in the squad like Alex Blackwell and Rachel Haynes."
Wilson's comments came as it was officially announced the Thunder will play a WBBL match at North Dalton Park against the Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday November 20.
Having had the opportunity to play trial matches for the Sixers in Wollongong last year, Wilson said it's exciting to have the chance to play a competition game in her home town.
"It's going to be quite the honour if I can take the field here in Wollongong.
"I've played a few games down here before, but I'm really looking forward to the opportunity here with the Thunder as well. There will definitely be plenty of family and friends here to support me."
Wilson enters the upcoming summer full of confidence after completing her most successful season to date last year.
She made her debut for both the Breakers and Sixers, was named the women's premier cricket player of the year after scoring 471 runs at an average of 235.5 for St George-Sutherland and received the Alex Blackwell Medal for best female country cricketer in NSW.
The season was capped by a trip to New Zealand with the Australian Under 19 Women's side.
That trip was just the second time Australia had sent an U19 women's team on an international tour and Wilson said it has been great to see Cricket Australia investing so much money in growing the women's game.
"It's been really good to see that investment. It's a really awesome opportunity for all of us girls to be able to play cricket on a more regular basis and hopefully that will inspire more younger girls to play as well.
"For every aspiring female cricketer, you want to become a part of the Australian team.
"It's got such rich history, so any opportunity you get in underage Australian cricket and working your way up is one I want to take."
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