Lisa Keightley has reaffirmed her commitment to Sydney Thunder, putting pen to paper to remain WBBL Head Coach for the next two seasons through to the end of Weber WBBL|13.
Keightley re-signs as WBBL Head Coach
Keightley, who appeared in nine Tests, 82 One Day Internationals, and one T20 match, is widely considered a great of NSW and Australian women’s cricket.
She has built a world-class coaching resume, leading both Australia Women and England Women, taking the Perth Scorchers to two WBBL Finals and guiding the Northern Superchargers to a Women’s Hundred title.
Keightley is currently Head Coach of Mumbai Indians in the WPL and MI London in The Hundred.
The experienced coach has led Thunder to 17 wins and two finals series across three seasons at the helm.
Keightley is confident the side will return to finals form in WBBL|12 after a disappointing campaign last summer.
“I’m really excited to be staying with Sydney Thunder for another two years.
“We’ve got the talent that can make us a title-winning side. Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll have both been outstanding for Australia recently, and they bring real firepower to our batting group. We saw Tahlia Wilson make her international debut for Australia off the back of another great year.
“Anika Learoyd had a very impressive season, and our young guns showed promising signs for the future, including Lucy Finn who had some stand-out performances in her debut season. Last season was obviously disappointing from an on-field perspective. We know we have a much better performance in us, and we will be pushing ourselves to get back into genuine contention.
“I know this group, the work we’re doing behind the scenes, and I believe the squad is building towards something special in the upcoming season.”
Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said the club is thrilled to continue with Keightley on board.
“Lisa is a genuine legend of women’s cricket, and we couldn’t be happier that she’s sticking with us,” Copeland said.
“She's a highly sought-after coach with interest from teams around the world, but she loves being here, and we love having her at Thunder.
“She’s also the perfect person to continue fostering the early leadership and development of someone like Phoebe Litchfield, which is crucial for the future of this team and Australian cricket.
“We truly believe all the pieces are in place; the playing group, the environment and the support for this program to win titles over the next two years and beyond.”
Contracted for WBBL|12:
Sam Bates, Hannah Darlington, Hasrat Gill, Laura Harris, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Tahlia Wilson