Phoebe Litchfield returns to Thunder squad

In a move that will boost the morale of the Sydney Thunder squad, Phoebe Litchfield returns to the fold after missing the two matches against Perth Scorchers due to her school commitments.

Thunder narrowly lost both the clashes against Scorchers. In their first loss, Rachael Haynes was not part of the game due to a foot infection. In the second game in Perth, Haynes returned fit but could not contribute much with the bat.

Ahead of their upcoming matches against Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat over the weekend Haynes, the skipper, sounded optimistic about her team's chances of winning both these crucial games.

“It’s going to be two tough games this weekend. We know the Sixers and Heat have got really dangerous top orders and we saw that first-hand in the opening round of the season.

Haynes feels the bowling department has done consistently well and that is a good sign considering Heat and Sixers are a batting heavy group.

“We’ll have to bowl really well but the positive thing for us is that we’ve been doing that. We’ve been really nailing our power plays so we’re feeling really confident.

Nida Dar had a memorable outing with the bat in hand. The mercurial allrounder from Pakistan scored 43 runs and almost took her team to the finishing line on Tuesday (November 12).

“It was nice to see Nida get an opportunity, she’s been chomping at the bit to get out there and really contribute with the bat,” said Haynes.

“She’s improved since she’s joined our team and she’s growing in confidence too. We know her all-round ability and we’ve got full confidence in her, and I think that will really come into play this weekend.”

Litchfield's return will be a big boost to the batting order. Thunder's two defeats against Scorchers were basically due to lack of partnerships in the top and middle-order. The teenager's return and her good form with the bat augurs well for Thunder.

"I think the partnership her and Alex Blackwell have formed in the middle has been pretty key for us so hopefully she can come back in and continue to do what she’s been doing," said Haynes.

“We’re really looking forward to playing at home this weekend. We always get really great support at Drummoyne Oval. The crowd is generally split between Thunder and Sixers supporters so hopefully, the Thunder Nation can outnumber them this weekend."