Sydney Thunder hoping for repeat success against Melbourne Stars at Bankstown Memorial Oval
Sydney Thunder is hoping an oval rich in cricket history is a field of dreams in this week’s WBBL match against the Stars.
The Express
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It proved a happy hunting ground for Thunder last season and the Sydney side is hoping for another day of success at Bankstown this weekend.
Last season Thunder beat the Melbourne Stars at Bankstown Memorial Oval by just five runs in their WBBL matchup.
This weekend they are hoping to repeat the feat.
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“They’ll be looking to get one up on us,” said Sydney Thunder fast bowler Lisa Griffith.
“They’ll have a better idea about the way the wicket plays, they’ve had experience of it, and they’ll be looking to be very aggressive and wanting to take us down.”
Griffith said her WBBL squad’s younger players will appreciate Bankstown Oval’s rich cricket history when they enter the dressing room before Sunday’s match against the Stars.
Bankstown Oval has an impressive cricket history as the home ground of Australian cricket legends Mark and Steve Waugh, Jeff Thomson and Len Pascoe.
Griffith said their impact on cricket is acknowledged in the home change room.
“There’s memorabilia in the change room, and when you walk into it you get a great vibe about the Bankstown club’s history and the great people who’ve played there - like the Waugh’s,’’ Griffith said.
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“It’s a good hub for western Sydney. Bankstown has done a fantastic job of their ground. It has a beautiful grandstand and is a brilliant place for people to go to enjoy the game.”
Thunder’s line-up includes Australian vice-captain Rachael Haynes, former national skipper Alex Blackwell, ex-Australian fast bowler Rene Farrell, Pakistan all-rounder Nida Dar and South African pace bowler Shabnim Ismail.
Blackwell said playing at venues such as Bankstown Oval, Blacktown International Sportspark and Drummoyne Oval is as special opportunity to inspire young fans.
“I think that’s going to be wonderful because we’re going to see families access ideal venues and really enjoy the spectacle of the WBBL,” she said.
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Thunder have a fun-filled day planned for all families at the game, including an inflatable cricket net and obstacle course, with plenty of giveaways for fans.
WBBL/05
Sunday October 27
Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars
Bankstown Memorial Oval, 2.00pm