Alex Blackwell is relishing the chance to play two of the biggest Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) matches of the season back home in the Riverina.
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The Wagga born and Yenda raised star will lead the Sydney Thunder onto Robertson Oval for their double header against Adelaide Strikers.
It is the top of the table clash and Blackwell was full of confidence on the eve of the first game.
“I’m really impressed with the way our team has been performing,” Blackwell said.
“We’ve got a really balanced line-up and lots of depth.
“You look at the way Naomi Stalenberg and Nicola Carey in our middle to lower order are just smacking the ball all order.
“The top order can go out there with a lot of confidence knowing there is so much depth in our batting order.”
Blackwell thought the Strikers would be one of their biggest threats coming into the season and it is shaping to be the case.
Percentage is all that separates the two teams, but the Adelaide team have played one more game.
Wagga provides a perfect chance to cement top spot and Blackwell has faith in her team.
“We have every reason to be confident,” she said.
“We’re sitting on top of the table, playing good cricket and we know we can play even better cricket as well.
“I’m really impressed with the way Rene Farrell has taken the game on with her all round play.
“As a bowler leading the way but also with the bat she is really handy coming in at eight and finishing off games for us and in the field as well.”
Blackwell last played on the ground for NSW in 2013 and is pleased to have to another opportunity to play closer to home.
She’s also looking forward to Wagga teenager Rachel Trenaman, who has been named in the 13-strong squad, getting her chance in the near future and predicts big things in her future.
"I am really excited about Rachel Trenaman in the squad at the moment,” Blackwell said.
"She is playing really good cricket and training hard.
"It would be so great to see her make her debut at some stage this season for the Thunder.”
Despite a forecast of 41 degrees for both matches, Blackwell implored fans to show their support at Robertson Oval.
“We are in a Thunder region, my home region and I am looking forward to see the crowd come in,” she said.
“It will be hot but I’m sure like me everyone is used to that down here, and the freezing cold winters.
“I’m really looking forward to it and it will be really nice to play in front of my family and many friends down here.”
Both Saturday and Sunday’s matches start at 2pm.
Entry is free.
