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Rachael Haynes is a genuine leader: Trevor Griffin

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Women's CricZone Staff
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Sydney Thunder skipper Rachael Haynes thrilled to begin their WBBL06 campaign

Rachael Haynes, skipper of Sydney Thunder. © Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Sydney Thunder head coach Trevor Griffin said that skipper Rachael Haynes is a genuine leader within the game. Speaking ahead of the side's clash against Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes, Griffin was all praise for Haynes, who is all set to feature in her 75th WBBL game for Sydney Thunder on Saturday (November 7).

"You only need to look at the footage that's online about Rachael Haynes, to see how popular she is throughout Australian cricket; around the world, really," he said.

In the sixth season of the tournament so far Haynes has scored 105 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 119.31 and has remained unbeaten on three occasions. Applauding her captaincy in the tournament, Griffin said, "There's probably not many players that she doesn't know about; her tactical awareness is outstanding, and her thoroughness in the way she prepares both physically and mentally sets her apart."

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Shifting the spotlight from herself to the team, Haynes said that the focus is on maintaining the momentum that has helped them remain unbeaten in the tournament. Thunder are currently at the top of the points table with three consecutive wins after the washouts in the first week. "It's been an odd start to the tournament with the two washouts, to begin with, but everyone has stayed patient," she said.

Haynes admitted that was particularly pleased with the performances of the players from New South Wales this season. "I know from training with the NSW players during the preseason they prepared so well and were ready for some cricket. It's been really nice to see them bring to life out in the middle the things they've been working on. Hopefully, we can continue with it."

On their next two fixtures, the 33-year-old stated that both Renegades and Hurricanes are dangerous opponents and have players who can take the game away from them quickly. "We've spoken about how we want to bowl to them, and how we'll approach their bowling as batters. We're ready for tough contests - particularly at Hurstville Oval where the boundaries are quite small," she concluded. 
Rachael Haynes Sydney Thunder Melbourne Renegades Trevor Griffin WBBL06 Women's Big Bash League, 2020
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