The Sydney Thunder have received a timely boost ahead of Saturday's must-win clash with rivals the Sixers, with Tahlia Wilson poised to make her long-awaited return.
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The Albion Park wicketkeeper was on Friday named in the Thunder's extended squad for their second game of the 2021/22 Women's Big Bash League campaign, with the side desperate to clinch their first win in Tasmania.
Wilson was ruled out of last weekend's season opener against Adelaide due to a minor leg injury. The 21-year-old was sorely missed in the Thunder's top order as the Strikers prevailed by 30 runs.
Wilson's teammate Phoebe Litchfield said the Thunder were keen to bounce back quickly as they prepare to take on their cross-town rivals in Launceston.
"Wherever we play, it's always pretty heated, so I think it's going to be a good game," she said. "We train together (for NSW) but whenever we play in squad games, it brings out the competitiveness."
Sixers star Alyssa Healy agreed, saying that fans could expect some "good, hard cricket" on Saturday night.
"The Sixers and Thunder have got a great rivalry dating back to WBBL1, so we're looking forward to the contest," Healy said.
"I think you want to beat your mates more than anybody else I think. We start pre-season training alongside each other and all of a sudden WBBL rolls around, and we're on separate sides. You want to get one up on your mates or one up on the young kids that are trying to take your spot in the Breakers side. It's always a fun and enjoyable contest, but it's also good, hard cricket."
The Thunder side was announced on the same day that the NSW Blues unveiled their 13-man squad for their first Sheffield Shield game this season against Victoria.
Among the contenders named was South Coast batsman Matthew Gilkes, who hopes to line up in their campaign opener at Drummoyne Oval starting on October 27.
"We have been able to play some quality practice matches over the last two weeks and there have been some outstanding performances," Cricket NSW Head of Male Cricket Michael Klinger said.
"This made selection a tough task, but we are happy with our final squad of 13 for our first game next week at Drummoyne."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
