Sport

Talented all-rounder to roll in with Thunder

OLIVIA Porter has signed a new two-year contract with Sydney Thunder, keeping the dream alive for the fast-bowling all-rounder to pursue a Women’s Big Bash League career with the club she has always loved.

After experiencing her first major injury last season – a tibial stress reaction in her right leg – on the eve of what was to be her first WBBL campaign as a fully contracted player, the stability of a multi-year deal means everything to the 19-year-old.
“It’s incredible,” Porter said.
“I’m over the moon.
“To make my debut this season would be an incredible experience and that’s always been a lifetime goal of mine. Definitely, top of the rank.”
The timing of her leg injury also meant Porter could not experience the Thunder’s WBBL06 success from within the group due to Coid-19 protocols.
“It was tough watching from afar last season and not being able to be in the hub, but that just highlights where our world is at, at the moment, and we have to be adaptable and resilient,” she said.
“(The team’s success) inspired me so much to really work hard this pre-season and I just can’t wait to get in there and see first-hand what a championship side looks like, on and off the field.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
Porter joined the Thunder as a replacement player in WBBL05.
Following her rehabilitation from injury, she made her Women’s National Cricket League debut for the ACT Meteors in January.
NSW Head of Female Cricket, Leah Poulton, says Porter is a talented all-rounder with excellent changes of pace with the ball and someone who can change the game in the field.
“She’s one of the new breed of T20 players who can have an impact across all areas of the game,” she said.