While the seventh season of the WBBL is approaching the business end, the tournament as well as the players featuring in it have grabbed a lot of attention. The latest one to make the headlines is Sydney Thunder’s wicket-keeper bat Tahlia Wilson.
Not many are aware of the 22-year old’s love for hockey. Though she gave up the sport five years back to pursue cricket full-time, hockey still occupies a special place not only in her heart but also in her cricket kit bag. It is known that Wilson, who hails from a family full of hockey players, packs a few hockey sticks in her cricket kit bag, alongside her regular cricket equipment. Prior to signing for Cricket NSW five years back, she played hockey. Now being a full-time cricketer, whenever she gets time, she goes to watch hockey matches, especially those played by her then team Albion Park.
In an interview, the wicket-keeper bat shared the reason for her undying love for hockey and the reason why she still carries those prized sticks. She said, “I think it gives me a piece of home. I grew up around hockey and I know the sport really well.”
Just a few days back when she was in Adelaide for WBBL matches, Wilson got a chance to play hockey with South Australian hockey representatives Emma de Broughe, who also plays cricket for NSW at the domestic level, and ace goalkeeper, Amy Hammond, who is known to be Australia’s one of the top goal-keepers. Wilson expressed, “It was amazing just to have the hockey stick in hand. I had a lot of fun.”
There is no doubt that it would have been tough for the 22-year old to choose between hockey and cricket. She averred, “The opportunity was there for me in cricket. And I was really grateful for Cricket NSW giving me a contract. I took that, and I’m glad I did [because of] where I am with my cricket.”
Meanwhile, the wicket-keeper bat, through her performance in the WBBL has rightfully earned the appreciation of Sydney Thunder coach Trevor Griffin. She has opened the batting and has scored one half-century, including the best of 53 against Melbourne Stars.
This article is the summary of the original article published on sydneythunder.com.au
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.
