Sammy-Jo Johnson to lead NSW Breakers in last two league matches of WNCL

Healy, Rachael Haynes, Ashleigh Gardner are in New Zealand with the Australia squad for their six-match tour consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is starting on March 28 along with young Hannah Darlington, who was named vice-captain of NSW for the season and led the side in Healy’s absence.

Allrounder Johnson is playing her first season for the Breakers since moving back to NSW after representing Queensland until now. The 28-year-old helped Sydney Thunder win their second Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title during WBBL06 as the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets to her name at an average of 14.81.

“I have played a lot of cricket in Queensland but I'm very proud to finally be wearing the Baggy Blue because that was a childhood dream," Johnson said. "I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to lead this team and it's something I will treasure.

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“These next two matches against Queensland are really important and I believe this squad has the talent and belief to play the brand of cricket we as the Breakers wish to showcase. If we put that on the park the results will hopefully lead to us having the opportunity to fight for the trophy in the final,” Johnson added.

NSW Breakers Squad: Sammy-Jo Johnson (C), Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Maddy Darke, Lisa Griffith, Emma Hughes, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Lauren Smith, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia Wilson