Sydney Thunder have made a major move ahead of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12, securing the signature of three-time WBBL champion and South Australia WNCL captain Jemma Barsby on a one-year deal. The 30-year-old all-rounder will swap her Adelaide Strikers colors for lime green, bringing over a decade of elite experience, tactical maturity, and one of the most distinctive skill sets in modern cricket to the Western Sydney club.
A foundation player of the WBBL, Barsby has racked up 143 matches across successful stints with the Brisbane Heat, Perth Scorchers, and Adelaide Strikers. She has added 398 runs to the tally and scalped 96 wickets, including the best of 4/2, at an economy rate of 6.75. Beyond her dependability with the bat and sharp fielding, she remains a rare phenomenon in the world game: a truly ambidextrous spin bowler capable of switching bowling arms on demand to disrupt a batter’s rhythm.
Barsby’s impact extends far beyond her on-field stats. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at just 19 years old, she has consistently defied expectations, rising to lead South Australia at the state level while using her public profile to champion cause-driven work. Through initiatives like the ‘Jemma Barsby Foundation’ and her ‘WhackMsFor6’ campaign, she has turned a personal health challenge into a platform for advocacy, education, and inspiration for young athletes.
Joining Sydney Thunder opens a new chapter for Barsby, both in terms of competition and community outreach. She noted that building genuine connections within her new squad and connecting with the fan base remain top priorities.
“My main values are trust, honesty, respect and loyalty. I think coming over to the Thunder I want to be able to gain that respect from my team mates, the support staff and the Thunder Nation,” Barsby said.
“There’s going to be a good mix of young and experienced players. Me being one of those experienced players, I’m hoping I can come over and be able to bowl well and contribute with the bat.”
The opportunity to link up with an exciting mix of international stars and home-grown talent was another major draw. Barsby highlighted several key teammates she is eager to collaborate with as the squad comes together.
“I think what makes a winning team is having some game changers in your team and Thunder really have that this year. It’s going to be great linking up with Georgia Voll and Laura Harris, I’m really looking forward to picking Heather Knight’s brain and then Phoebe as a fellow left-handed batter, looking forward to learning a lot from her,” she added. “It’s also an opportunity for me to increase awareness of MS to a new public which I’m really looking forward to doing.”
From the front office, Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland emphasized that Barsby was a primary target during off-season roster planning. Her current form as skipper for the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) only solidified her position as an ideal fit for the club’s broader strategy.
“Jemma is such an accomplished player, who is not only skilled with bat and ball, but brings such leadership to our group,” Copeland said. “When we spoke about our gaps and opportunities to go from good to great as a squad in WBBL 12 and ultimately lift the trophy – Jemma’s name came up in several facets. She’s also had a great start to the domestic season as captain of the SACA.”
Copeland noted that Barsby’s mental toughness in high-stakes situations makes her an invaluable addition to a side chasing silverware.
“The other key element in this being an incredible get for us, is in the crunch moments of big games we want players to step head first in to that opportunity, and that is exactly who Jemma is to her core,” Copeland added. “Her story, the way she holds herself and resilience is incredibly inspiring. I’m sure not only for our players but our fans and members as they get to know her story. We’re stoked we could land Jemma. Bring on the WBBL”
Sydney Thunder WBBL 12 Squad (so far)
Jemma Barsby, Sam Bates, Hannah Darlington, Lucy Finn, Hasrat Gill, Nicola Hancock, Laura Harris, Heather Knight (INT), Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Tahlia Wilson
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