Sydney Thunder announce T20 Spring Challenge squad

NSW Breaker Tara French, Australian-capped quick Stella Campbell and Australia U19 representative Emily Powell are among the fresh faces in the 13-player squad who will be eager to impress when the competition begins on October 21. 

The squad also features new recruits Hasrat Gill and Laura Harris who are set to make their first appearance in Thunder colours after crossing from rival clubs, the Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat. 

Star wicketkeeper-batter, Tahlia Wilson, will once again captain the squad. 

Sarah Aley will make the step up to head coach while Lisa Keightley, current Head Coach of Sydney Thunder, will support as an assistant coach. Aley says fans can expect some strong competition within the playing group in the T20 Spring Challenge with a spot in the WBBL|11 squad on the line.   

"The T20 Spring Challenge presents a valuable opportunity for emerging talent to be recognised and considered for a Sydney Thunder contract,” Aley confirmed.  

“It’s a strong incentive for players to perform at their best and a clear signal that standout performances will be taken seriously. We’re committed to identifying and investing in the next generation of Thunder athletes, and this competition provides a genuine platform for players to showcase their skills ahead of the upcoming WBBL season.” 

The T20 Spring Challenge will run over a 10-day period across Sydney. Every ball will be streamed live across cricket.com.au, Cricket Australia Live app and Kayo Sports. 

Chamari Athapaththu, Heather Knight, Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll are all unavailable for this year’s tournament due to the ICC Women’s World Cup, while Hannah Darlington and Sienna Eve have been ruled out with injury. Shabnim Ismail is also unavailable. 

Sydney Thunder T20 Spring Challenge Squad: 
Tahlia Wilson (C) (WBBL Contracted)
Sam Bates (WBBL Contracted)
Ella Briscoe (WBBL Contracted)
Stella Campbell (Uncontracted)
Tara French (Uncontracted)
Hasrat Gill (WBBL Contracted)
Laura Harris (WBBL Contracted)
Anika Learoyd (WBBL Contracted)
Alex Mavros (Uncontracted)
Olivia Maxwell (Uncontracted)
Taneale Peschel (WBBL Contracted)
Emily Powell (Uncontracted)
Eva Ragg (Uncontracted)

Coach: Sarah Aley 

Assistant Coaches: Dan Smith, Georgia Adams, Lisa Keightley 

Sydney Thunder T20 Spring Challenge Fixtures:  

Oct 21: Sydney Thunder vs. ACT Meteors | North Sydney Oval
Oct 22: Hobart Hurricanes vs. Sydney Thunder | Cricket Central
Oct 25: Sydney Sixers vs. Sydney Thunder | North Sydney Oval
Oct 26: Sydney Thunder vs. Adelaide Strikers | Drummoyne Oval 

Semi-Finals:
Oct 29: First (TBC) vs. Fourth (TBC) | Cricket Central
Oct 29: Second (TBC) vs. Third (TBC) | Cricket Central  

Final:
Oct 30: TBC vs. TBC | Cricket Central 

View the full T20 Spring Challenge schedule at cricket.com.au.