WBBL final: Eight-day break poses challenge for top placed Renegades

Exciting Melbourne Renegades teenager Milly Illingworth says the top-placed side can overcome the challenge of the WBBL finals system.

The wait for Sunday has been agonisingly long for the Melbourne Renegades, but tearaway quick Milly Illingworth says it’s allowed sore players to prime themselves for the club’s first ever WBBL final.

The Renegades will face the winner of Friday night’s clash between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder on the hallowed turf of the MCG, with conditions likely to favour the pace bowlers as torrential rain looms on the forecast in the 24 hours before.

Illingworth, 19, will be playing her third game at the MCG, which she said was starting to feel like a genuine home ground for the Renegades after their eight-run derby win over the Stars two weeks ago.

The challenge for the Renegades after securing top spot will be facing an opponent which has been able to continue on with the rhythm of the regular season.

The Renegades celebrated after securing top spot on the WBBL ladder last week. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

The eight-day break will be the longest Illingworth and teammates have waited to play since their tournament began on October 27.

“The nerves are starting to set in – it’s been a long time to wait after playing a lot of games over a short period,” Illingworth said.

“But it means the girls who have picked up a few niggles have had time to freshen up and get their bodies right, so I think we’re in a really good place.”

Considered a top national prospect and already able to clock speeds in excess of 120km/h, Illingworth was lured across from the Stars along with keeper Nicole Faltum and had immediate impact this season.

After bowling only 17 overs in 11 games for the Stars last season, the right-arm quick has generally bowled three overs at the front of the innings and has claimed six wickets with a tidy economy of 6.7.

Milly Illingworth (right) and Nicole Faltum (left) have been important recruits for the Melbourne Renegades and are thriving under instructions to show off their ‘natural flair’. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

In an important win over the Hurricanes in Hobart last week, she bowled her full four overs straight to claim figures of 1-13.

“I love being able to go through my full four overs straight – that was the key reason (for the move), just the overs in hand, and getting an opportunity with the new ball has been fantastic,” she said.

“The coaches have really backed me, and it’s the same for all the girls – we’ve just been backed to be ourselves and play with our natural flair.

“We’ll just stick to what we’re doing well, and hopefully we come off on Sunday proud of each other and with the title.”