- Tue, March 15, 2022
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Sydney Thunder have made a bold leadership move ahead of the highly anticipated Weber Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season, announcing Phoebe Litchfield as the captain for the upcoming WBBL|10 campaign. At just 20 years old, Litchfield will lead the side as they seek to make a strong impact in this year’s competition.
Litchfield, a rising star in Australian cricket, has been a pivotal player for both Sydney Thunder and the national team. Since her debut in WBBL|05 at the age of 16, she has consistently impressed with her performances, earning a reputation as one of the brightest talents in the sport. Now, four years later, she steps into the captaincy role, following in the footsteps of international stars like Heather Knight and Rachael Haynes, who previously led the Thunder.
The appointment of Litchfield is seen as a natural progression for the young cricketer, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities on and off the field. Sydney Thunder’s General Manager, Trent Copeland, highlighted her maturity and resilience as key factors behind the decision.
"Phoebe becoming captain of Thunder just feels right," Copeland said. "She’s young, but her experience in the game makes this a natural progression. Phoebe has always been mature beyond her years, and her leadership qualities have been evident from the moment she joined Thunder."
Litchfield’s composure under pressure, whether playing for Australia in global tournaments like the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup or during high-stakes moments in the WBBL, has earned her the respect of teammates and coaches alike. Copeland believes her leadership will inspire not only her teammates but also cricket fans across Australia.
"The Thunder squad is built on a vibrant youthful energy mixed with top-tier experience, and Phoebe is at the heart of that," Copeland added. "This captaincy will only enhance the team’s trajectory and bring out the best in our players."
As Litchfield embarks on her captaincy journey, she will be supported by a strong leadership group. International stars Heather Knight, Chamari Athapaththu, and Georgia Adams bring a wealth of experience and will play crucial roles in guiding the team. Domestic standouts such as Tahlia Wilson and Sammy-Jo Johnson will also provide valuable support, creating a balanced leadership structure.
The team will be mentored by some of Australian cricket's most revered figures, including Lisa Keightley and Belinda Clark, both of whom have played significant roles in shaping the development of female cricketers in Australia.
Reflecting on her appointment, Litchfield expressed her excitement at the opportunity to lead Sydney Thunder.
"It’s a huge honour to be named captain of Sydney Thunder," Litchfield said. "I’ve grown up playing for this club and learning from some incredible leaders, so to now have the opportunity to lead such a talented group of players is really exciting."
Litchfield is eager to embrace the challenge of leading a squad that features a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talents. "We’ve got a great mix of experience and young raw talent, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of captaining the side this season," she added.
Sydney Thunder will kick off their WBBL|10 campaign on October 28 in Hobart, where they will face the Hobart Hurricanes, who recently clinched the T20 Spring Challenge title. The opening game will mark Litchfield’s debut as captain and is expected to set the tone for the rest of the season.
Following their opener, Thunder will return to Sydney for their second match against the Hurricanes at North Sydney Oval on October 31. This season, Drummoyne Oval will serve as the team’s home ground, with three key fixtures set to take place there on November 12, 17, and 20.
Fans are in for a treat with a mix of on-field action and off-field entertainment as Thunder aim to draw large crowds to their matches.
Sydney Thunder’s squad for the season features a blend of youth and experience, with Litchfield at the helm. Key players include international stars Chamari Athapaththu, Georgia Adams, and Heather Knight, along with emerging talents like Sienna Eve and Claire Moore.
Sydney Thunder WBBL|10 Squad:
Sydney Thunder’s WBBL|10 fixtures promise an exciting season ahead. The team will aim to build early momentum, starting with their clash against the Hurricanes in Hobart.
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