Sydney Thunder’s first international signing for the upcoming Weber WBBL|12 will see Heather Knight return to the lime green for a fifth season.
ReuKnighted: Thunder welcome back fan favourite Heather Knight
The former England captain, who is locked in for one year, was awarded the Alex Blackwell Medal as Thunder’s ‘Player of the Season’ in WBBL|11 after scoring 201 runs at an average of 28.71 Her standout performance came in the Sydney Smash, where she struck a season-high 65 against the Sixers.
The 35-year-old also celebrated a significant milestone during last season, reaching 100 WBBL matches.
Remarkably, WBBL|11 was the third time in four seasons with Thunder that Knight claimed the Alex Blackwell Medal, underlining her immense impact on the club.
Alongside her on-field performances and leadership, Knight has embraced Western Sydney as her second home during the Australian spring, forming an enduring connection with members, fans, teammates and coaching staff.
Knight recently added another chapter to her leadership career, taking on the role of London Spirit Women’s General Manager.
That experience, coupled with an outstanding international career featuring eleven World Cup appearances for England, will continue to add valuable leadership to the Thunder squad as they look towards another WBBL title.
Knight said:
“I’ve really enjoyed playing with the Sydney Thunder over the years.
“It’s a fun group, a group that I’ve captained, and I think what Trent and Lisa are trying to do and trying to build to is really special.
“My role as GM with London Spirit has shown me a lot. It’s shown me how busy you can be that’s for sure. However, seeing how a franchise works from another view has been very cool. It’s made me appreciate what a lot of the league and coaches and support staff do.
“I guess in terms of leadership qualities, this year I'm going to try and bring that level of experience and try and keep pretty level and calm which is how I am always going about my cricket.”
Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said:
“Heather was a no-brainer for us. Her leadership, experience, and ability to adapt to whatever the team needs makes her incredibly important to this group.
“She’s also a real enabler for players like Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll and Laura Harris, being able to provide an expertise that other teams don’t have access to.
“When Heather announced her international retirement, she messaged me straight away to reaffirm her commitment to the Thunder, which says a lot about how much this club means to her.
“To have a player of Heather’s quality and experience so invested in this group is massive for us, and we’re incredibly excited to have her back in lime green for WBBL|12 – importantly, for the entire tournament.
“She’s not the only one, so stay tuned.”
Thunder’s WBBL|12 campaign kicks off on Thursday, October 29 in Melbourne before their first home game at Drummoyne Oval against the Brisbane Heat in an epic double header featuring the Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes.
Sydney Thunder WBBL|12 Home Fixtures
Sunday, November 1 | Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat
Drummoyne Oval (NSW), 3:40 PM (AEDT)
Seven, 7plus, Foxtel, Kayo
Thursday, November 5 | Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers
Drummoyne Oval (NSW) 7:10 PM (AEDT)
Seven, 7plus, Foxtel, Kayo
Monday, November 16 | Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars
Drummoyne Oval (NSW) 7:10 PM(AEDT)
Foxtel, Kayo
Saturday, November 28 | Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers
Drummoyne Oval (NSW) 7:10 PM(AEDT)
Foxtel, Kayo
Head Coach: Lisa Keightley
Contracted for WBBL|12:
Sam Bates, Hannah Darlington, Hasrat Gill, Laura Harris, Heather Knight (INT), Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Tahlia Wilson