Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Talented teenager commits to the Thunder Nation for a further two seasons
Olivia Porter’s new two-year contract at Sydney Thunder keeps the dream alive for the fast-bowling all-rounder to pursue a Women’s Big Bash League career with the club she has loved from the very beginning.
After experiencing her first major injury last season – a tibial stress reaction in her right leg – on the eve of what was to be her first WBBL campaign as a fully contracted player, the stability of a multi-year deal means everything to the 19-year-old.
“It’s incredible. I’m over the moon,” Porter said.
“I’ve supported the Thunder right from the beginning.
“To make my debut this season would be an incredible experience and that’s always been a lifetime goal of mine. Definitely, top of the rank.”
The timing of her leg injury also meant Porter could not experience the Thunder’s WBBL|06 success from within the group due to COVID-19 protocols.
“It was tough watching from afar last season and not being able to be in the hub, but that just highlights where our world is at, at the moment, and we have to be adaptable and resilient,” she said.
“(The team’s success) inspired me so much to really work hard this pre-season and I just can’t wait to get in there and see first-hand what a championship side looks like, on and off the field.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
Porter, who grew up in Gladesville, joined the Thunder as a local replacement player in WBBL|05.
Following her rehabilitation from injury, she made her Women’s National Cricket League debut for the ACT Meteors in January.
Playing her junior cricket with the boys for Ryde Hunters Hill Pirates, before moving to grade club Universities, Porter was exposed to the Cricket NSW Pathways from a young age.
She participated in Underage National Championships for over seven years, playing alongside the likes of Thunder’s break-out star, all-rounder Hannah Darlington.
NSW Head of Female Cricket, Leah Poulton, was thrilled to be able to give Porter some certainty with the two-year deal after a difficult season last year.
“I really felt for Olivia last year. She’d done all the right things to get herself ready to participate and then had that news,” Poulton said.
“She’s a talented all-rounder with excellent changes of pace with the ball and someone who can change the game in the field.
“With the bat she plays a really exciting brand of cricket where she’s looking for ways to take the game on and score quickly.
“She’s one of the new breed of T20 players who can have an impact across all areas of the game.”
Contracted for WBBL|07: Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Kate Peterson, Olivia Porter, Lauren Smith, Tahlia Wilson.
Interested in becoming a Member of the Thunder Nation? Click here to be among the first to hear about our packages for WBBL|07 and BBL|11.
Name of Author: Sydney Thunder
The Sydney Thunder is an Australian professional cricket team competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Based at Sydney Showground Stadium, the Thunder, along with the Sydney Sixers, succeeded the New South Wales Blues from the defunct KFC Twenty20 Big Bash.
