England skipper Amy Jones joins Sydney Thunder

One of the world’s best cricketers, England’s Amy Jones, said the opportunity to play alongside an inspirational former teammate - and host of talented young players on the rise - compelled her to join Sydney Thunder for this year’s Weber Women’s Big Bash League campaign.

Jones, who captained England in their recent series against India, said she was looking forward to returning to the excitement of playing in the ultra-competitive WBBL.

“I’ve had a year or two out of the league [after playing two seasons with the Sixers and three with Perth from WBBL|02 to 06], so it will be great to be a part of the competition again. I look forward to having fun out there - and hopefully contributing to some wins for Sydney Thunder.”

However, 29-year-old Jones conceded the opportunity to join forces with Australian cricket great Rachael Haynes in this, her final season with Sydney Thunder, was an irresistible lure.

“I played alongside Rachael at Loughborough Lightning [in England’s T20 competition] in 2018, and she was an excellent leader,” said Jones.

“And while I’m looking forward to that I also realise there’s loads of exciting talent there. Thunder seems to have a tremendous blend of experience and youth.

“What I’ve heard from [England teammates] Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont is the club has a bunch of really cool people. They speak very highly of the group and the club, and I can’t wait to be a part of that.”

Jones, who has represented her nation on 153 occasions, said she was just as thrilled to have the chance to play under Trevor Griffin, the only coach to have won the elite domestic T20 competitions in both England and Australia.

“I’ve never worked with Trevor Griffin before, but he has earned a great reputation,” she said. “I’m excited to work with him for the first time and to see how he does things.”

Jones said her recent experience as England skipper had added a new dimension to her understanding of the game, and how every player can help ease the burden on their skipper.

“Being named as captain of England came as a surprise, but I enjoyed the experience,” said Jones. ““The team management and I were very proud of how the team came together.”

“During the series I learnt to back my cricketing instincts, but it also gave me a huge respect for the workload the captain has. That was the thing; I’ve learnt not to leave it all on the shoulders of just one person.”

Griffin, who is preparing for his fourth season as Thunder’s coach, said it was a boon for the Western Sydney-based club to boast a player of Jones’s calibre on the team roster.

“Amy is a player who I have been watching for a number of years,” said Griffin. “She’s one of the best cricketers in the world; is capable of batting in a number of positions and is highly regarded.

“She’ll be backing up with the gloves for ‘T’ [Tahlia Wilson]. Amy is a great asset for the team, and I’m extremely excited to have an opportunity to work with her at Sydney Thunder.

Sydney Thunder WBBL|08 Fixtures:

Sydney Thunder WBBL Squad;

Head Coach: Trevor Griffin
Contracted for WBBL|08: Samantha Bates, Tammy Beaumont, Hannah Darlington, Jess Davidson, Corinne Hall, Rachael Haynes (c), Sammy-Jo Johnson, Amy Jones, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Olivia Porter, Lauren Smith, Tahlia Wilson