3 minute read

Sydney Thunder teenager Phoebe Litchfield says the male bowlers she faced in A-grade cricket in her home town of Orange have steeled her success in the WBBL.

There's a few middle-aged men in Orange who can take some credit for teenage batter Phoebe Litchfield's stunning arrival on the WBBL scene.

The 16-year-old made a classy 26 on debut for her Sydney Thunder outfit against Sydney Sixers last week and then delivered a match-winning 52 not out to help her team to a seven-wicket victory over defending champions Brisbane Heat.

Litchfield didn't have time to celebrate post-match, heading straight back to her home town 250km west of Sydney to prepare for year 10 exams.

Litchfield said she felt ready for the WBBL after playing first grade cricket against the men in Orange.

"I still play with the boys at home when I can," Litchfield told AAP.

"Some of the bowlers are pretty good and that gets me ready for the harder competitions.

"Some of the men are very scary when they bowl and they certainly don't slow down for me so it's certainly a good challenge so it gets me ready for bowlers like Ellyse Perry, who is pretty quick."

She has also enjoyed some early representative honours; touring with the Australia under 19s and a few weeks ago she played for a Cricket Australia XI against the Sri Lankans.

While she's back in Sydney to prepare for Saturday's WBBL clash with Melbourne Renegades, Litchfield said she would be keeping an eye on the progress of the Hockeyroos, who are playing against Russia for Olympic qualification in Perth.

Litchfield is also a member of Australia's under 16 hockey team, with the dual-sports accomplishment drawing comparisons with cricket and soccer superstar Perry.

"It's very humbling to be compared to Perry but I'm nothing compared to her just yet," Litchfield said.

"I try my best to juggle it but cricket is taking priority and I think it's my first love now.

"I think I'm a better cricket player than I would be in hockey so hopefully my cricket goes well."