Teen cricketer re-signs with Thunder

The 17-year-old, who is also completing Year 12, is hopeful of making her Big Bash debut this season.
Over the past 12 months, Darlington led the Thunder’s Indigenous XI in Tasmania and also captained NSW Metro to victory in the Under 18 Female National Championships One-Day Final where she scored half a century and took 1/24 to be named player of the final.
Joining the Thunder’s playing list in the second season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), she was the first graduate of the Thunder WBBL Academy and says she is soaking up as much advice as she can from teammates like Alex Blackwell and Rachael Haynes.
“I’ve enjoyed it so much. Having that experience at such a young age to play in a high level environment has been really amazing,” she said.
The Thunder has also confirmed its partnership with Barnardos Australia for the upcoming WBBL season, with fans encouraged to bring toys to each home game in support of their Gifts for Kids Christmas appeal.
Darlington recently made a visit to Barnardos’ Auburn Family Centre to play cricket activities with the children and says the experience “definitely put a smile” on her face.
“The kids here are amazing,” she said.
“What they go through is something that no one ever should, but the facilities here are wonderful for these kids who are so full of life.”
Sydney Thunder is set to open the first ever standalone WBBL season with a televised blockbuster match against the Sydney Sixers under lights at North Sydney Oval on Friday, October 18.
Tickets are on sale now at: sydneythunder.com.au/tickets.