Sydney Thunder seamer Hannah Darlington has sent a timely reminder to national selectors ahead of next month’s tour of India, taking a maiden five-wicket haul in Friday afternoon’s victory over the Melbournes Stars at North Sydney Oval.
The 21-year-old, who represented Australia in two ODIs and two T20Is in 2021, claimed 5-10 in a remarkable four-over spell at the picturesque venue, helping the Thunder clinch a tense four-run win.
Darlington ripped through the Stars’ middle order, knocking over former Australian captain Meg Lanning, all-rounders Annabel Sutherland and Kim Garth, and England internationals Alice Capsey and Maia Bouchier.
It was the fourth-best bowling performance in the WBBL history, toppling the previous best figures for a Thunder player – Lauren Smith’s 5-17 against the Perth Scorchers.
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“I don’t think I’ve taken (a five-wicket haul) in first-class cricket, probably not even grade cricket,” Darlington told reporters after the match.
“It’s nice to grab a bag of wickets, but the more important thing is that I didn’t go for many runs.
“I didn’t have much to defend, but taking wickets helps with that, so I’m happy to put out a performance like that.”
Best bowling figures in WBBL history
6-19 – Megan Schutt (AS) vs ST, 2022
5-8 – Amanda-Jade Wellington (AS) vs BH, 2021
5-8 – Amanda-Jade Wellington (AS) vs MR, 2022
5-10 – Hannah Darlington (ST) vs MS, 2023
5-15 – Molly Strano (MR) vs MS, 2016
Darlington, a Kamilaroi woman, achieved the feat during First Nations Round, which celebrates the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the sport.
“I absolutely love any time I get to put a jersey like this on and represent my culture,” Darlington continued.
“I’ve got family in the stands, and it’s such a special experience.”
It comes after Darlington claimed 4-33 during last week’s thumping victory over the Melbourne Renegades, bringing her season tally to 14 wickets at 14.85.
“She’s been bowling really well,” Smith told reporters.
“She‘s been getting a lot of crucial wickets for us.
“She just looks really relaxed and strong at the crease, keeping everything very simple.
“She’s just bowling absolutely amazing.”
Since making her WBBL debut in 2019, Darlington has taken 72 wickets at 18.54. Only one cricketer boasts more scalps at a lower average – former Sydney Sixers seamer Sarah Aley.
Lowest WBBL bowling average
17.84 – Sarah Aley
18.54 – Hannah Darlington
18.79 – Amy Satterthwaite
18.89 – Molly Strano
19.39 – Marizanne Kapp
* Minimum 100 overs
Darlington hasn’t been selected for the national side since the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, but she skipped the marquee tournament for mental health and wellbeing reasons.
The right-armer then missed most of the 2022/23 season due to a knee injury, which required her to undergo surgery on the eve of the WBBL.
“Last year was a bit of a struggle to be able to stand there and want to bowl quickly and trust the body and the knee, which was in a questionable state for most of the series,” Darlington said.
“I broke my thumb as well at the end which throws doubts around, and I think when you’re at the top of your mark with doubts is a bad situation.”
However, Darlington is ‘100 per cent’ adamant she’s a better bowler than 24 months ago, when she made her international debut as a teenager.
“My body is in a much better situation,” Darlington explained.
“A few seasons under the belt has put me in good stead to stand at the top of my mark and want to bowl quickly. I think it makes those variations better which is a strength of mine.”
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The national women’s team travels to the subcontinent next month for a multi-format series against India. Adelaide Strikers seamer Darcie Brown is still recovering from a hamstring complaint, while Garth has yet to make her mark in the WBBL.
“I’d love to be back in Australian colours,” Darlington said.
“Whether that’s soon or in a year or two doesn’t really bother me at the moment. I’m proud that this club that I love so much is performing well, so we’ll look at this WBBL and see how we’re going at the end of the year.”
The Thunder will next face the Perth Scorchers at Junction Oval on Sunday with the first ball scheduled for 10.10am AEDT.
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