It was hard not being able to play WBBL last season: CWG gold medallist Rachael Haynes re-joins Sydney Thunder
India Today
Rachael Haynes is the Sydney Thunder's all-time leading run scorer. She led the club to victory during the 2020–21 season of WBBL.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Australia vice-captain Rachael Haynes has re-joined Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League (WBBL).
Haynes, who is Sydney Thunder's all-time leading run scorer, led the club to victory during the 202021 season. The 35-year-old batter missed the following season after suffering an injury during an Australia match. She then took personal leave for the birth of her child with partner Leah Poulton. Haynes's return to the WBBL, however, was blocked by the various Covid-19 related border restrictions at the time.
Haynes has scored 1919 runs in 85 matches for Sydney Thunder, with a highest score of 78 not out. She said that she was happy to be back in lime green.
"It was hard not being able to play WBBL last season for a variety of reasons and I can’t wait to get back out there and represent the Thunder Nation," Haynes said.
"We have such an exciting bunch of talented young players that provide plenty of energy and I’m keen to see how far they have come in the year I was away from the team. This club means so much more to me than just results on the field and the chance to get back out and engage with our community is something else that I’m looking forward to."
Sydney Thunder's WBBL List Manager and club legend Alex Blackwell said: "Rach is such an integral part of the Sydney Thunder. Obviously, she is an elite player on the field and she has become one of the most sought after batters and leaders in world cricket.
"However, it is off the field where Rach brings even greater value, as she encourages all players to embrace their opportunity to connect with the Thunder community and inspire the next generation of participants and fans."
