Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Off-spinning all-rounder joins after five seasons at the Sixers
Sydney Thunder has signed off-spinning all-rounder Lauren Smith to a two-year deal ahead of the upcoming Rebel Women’s Big Bash League season.
The 23-year-old from the Central Coast joins Thunder from crosstown rivals the Sydney Sixers where she claimed 40 wickets and scored 157 runs in five seasons.Smith, who is considered one the most competitive fielders in the league and is known for completing clutch run outs, was a key member of the Sixers side that won successive WBBL titles.
“I’ve had five great seasons at the Sixers but I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to show off my bowling and batting at Thunder,” Smith said.
“[Sydney Thunder captain and NSW Breakers teammate] Rachael Haynes has been in my ear for a while about making the switch. She’s always been very supportive of my bowling and we work really well together.”
Smith said she is excited to continue to develop her game under Head Coach Trevor Griffin.
“We’ve been talking a lot over the last few weeks and have built a strong connection,” said said.
“I’ve heard great things about his coaching style so I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
Griffin said he is excited by Smith’s motivation to make her mark on the competition.
“Lauren’s champing at the bit to be able to showcase her skills and make an impact on the competition,” Griffin said.
“She’s a real competitor in the field and has great control with her off-spin which is something that we need in our side.
“It’s great to have her on board and I’m really looking forward to working with her.”
This announcement follows the signing of star all-rounder Sammy-Jo Johnson, as well the re-signing of South African speedster Shabnim Ismail.
The WBBL|06 fixture builds on the tremendous success of the inaugural standalone season in 2019-20.
A full 59-game fixture has been scheduled across October and November, with Thunder set to open its season on 17 October against the Scorchers in Perth.
Sydney Thunder WBBL Squad
Head Coach: Trevor Griffin
Contracted for WBBL|06: Rachael Haynes (C), Sam Bates, Hannah Darlington, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Phoebe Litchfield, Lauren Smith, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia Wilson
Sydney Thunder WBBL|06 Fixtures
Sat 17 Oct | Vs Perth Scorchers | Perth | 5:00PM
Sun 18 Oct | Vs Hobart Hurricanes | Perth | 1:00PM
Sat 24 Oct | Vs Adelaide Strikers | Karen Rolton Oval | 2:30PM
Sun 25 Oct | Vs Brisbane Heat | Karen Rolton Oval | 10:20AM
Wed 18 Oct | Vs Melbourne Renegades | Hurstville Oval | 2:00PM
Sat 31 Oct | Vs Perth Scorchers | North Sydney Oval | 12:15PM
Sun 1 Nov | Vs Melbourne Stars | North Sydney Oval | 10:20AM
Sat 7 Nov | Vs Melbourne Renegades | Blacktown Intl Sportspark | 10:00AM
Sun 8 Nov | Vs Sydney Sixers | North Sydney Oval | 1:45PM
Tues 10 Nov | Vs Melbourne Stars | Blacktown Intl Sportspark | 6:30PM
Sat 14 Nov | Vs Adelaide Strikers | Blacktown Intl Sportspark | 10:00AM
Sun 15 Nov | Vs Sydney Sixers | North Sydney Oval | 1:45PM
Sat 21 Nov | Vs Hobart Hurricanes | Melbourne | 10:00AM
Sun 22 Nov | Vs Brisbane Heat | Melbourne | 10:00AM
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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.
