SYDNEY, Australia, CMC – West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor has become the latest Caribbean player to sign up for Australia’s inaugural Women’s Big Bash League, after Sydney Thunder announced yesterday it has secured her services for the tournament which bowls off Saturday.
The 24-year Taylor ranks among the elite batsmen in international women’s cricket and also bowls penetrative off-spin, and is expected to immediately strengthen a Thunder side that already boasts the likes of Alex Blackwell, Rachael Haynes, Rene Farrell and Erin Osborne.
Taylor, who took over the captaincy of the West Indies side in September, said she was looking forward to contributing in all areas to Thunder’s campaign.
“I know I’m going to be a huge asset to the team. The team is very strong, I am here to share my experience and hopefully have some good games,” Taylor said.
“I know what I can do and I just hope that I have a good time. I’m a mixture of everything, I can be aggressive but I’m more of a rotator. Whatever is needed at the time, I can produce.”
Taylor averages 45 in One-Day Internationals and has already scored five centuries and 22 half-centuries. She is equally impressive in Twenty20s, averaging 36 with 17 half-centuries.
The Jamaican has already taken 108 ODI wickets at an average of 18 and an economy rate of three, while securing 56 wickets in T20s at an economy rate of five.
Thunder coach Joanne Broadbent said Taylor’s inclusion would be an asset to her squad.
“She’s a powerful hitter and she’ll be a handy bowler for us as well,” Broadbent said.
“She’s fitting in really well in and around our group and that’s really important for our group to function – I think she’s got two or three nicknames already, the group is gelling really well.”
Nick Cummins, the Thunder general manager, said the franchise had identified Taylor from very early as their preferred player for the tournament.
“When recruiting for the Thunder’s WBBL team, we had a wish list of international players we were looking to sign,” Cummins explained.
“Stafanie was at the top of that list, and we’re delighted she’s chosen to join the Thunder Nation. Her record speaks for itself, Stafanie is one of the most destructive players in the sport, and we look forward to seeing what she can do for the Thunder this season.”
Taylor joins West Indies players Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews who have already signed on to play in the tournament.
The big-hitting Dottin will turn out for Perth Scorchers while Matthews, an enterprising 17-year-old opener, will play for Hobart Hurricanes.
