WBBL and WIPL have been scheduled to start from the winter and updates have started to flow in. Sammy-Jo Johnson has found herself a new home in the Big Bash League. She has recently signed a deal with Sydney Thunder for a duration of two years. Johnson has been part of the Heat camp and has two titles while playing for them.
She received a state contract with New South Wales and moved to Sydney’s west. Trevor Griffin, who coaches, Thunders regarded the allrounder to be a complete package. As she joins her new team, she will work with Shabnim Ismail and give shape to one of the best pace attacks of the tournament.
She told cricket.com.au that “She’s an exciting player and I’m definitely looking forward to bowling alongside her”.
Johnson has been consistent with the bat as well and has established herself as a pinch-hitter of some weight. She played a quick cameo in the last season’s finale. It was with the departure of Blackwell and Rachel that Johnson will be useful for the side. She said, “I’m still flexible with moving up and down the order, but looking at our list and what this team needs based on how they went last year, being an impact batter hopefully I’ll play that role more consistently with this team”.
In a total of five seasons that she played with Heat, she amassed 417 runs and 53 wickets. It has to be noted that her recent performances have made her visible in the eyes of selectors. She has established herself as a regular for Australia A side and is waiting for her International debut.
Trevor Griffin said that “She’s a hard-hitting batter and an economical bowler who will bring a lot of experience to our squad”.
He added that “She has the ability to go in early in the power play and be destructive or go in at the end and take the game away from the opposition”.
Johnson further said that “There are so many talented young players in the squad and I think it’s just a matter of guiding them in the right direction and ensuring they know that they can handle any situation that’s thrown at them”.
Thunders have six empty spots in their rosters which include two International berths. The squad for Sydney Thunders as of now is Rachael Haynes (c) (Aus), Shabnim Ismail (SA), Sam Bates, Hannah Darlington, Saskia Horley, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Phoebe Litchfield, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia Wilson.
News Credits: Laura Jolly for cricket.com.au
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