Sydney Thunder sign Issy Wong for WBBL 07

The 19-year-old fast bowler replaces South Africa international Shabnim Ismail, who injured her knee against West Indies

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Sydney Thunder have signed Issy Wong for the 2021 Women’s Big Bash League.

The 19-year-old fast bowler replaces Shabnim Ismail in Thunder’s squad after the South African international, who took 14 wickets in WBBL 06 and won the player of the match award in the final, injured her knee against West Indies.

Wong, who was preparing to go on holiday to Sicily when she got the call to play for Thunder, impressed for Central Sparks in both the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and Charlotte Edwards Cup in 2021. In the former, she collected a team-leading 14 wickets while in England’s domestic T20 competition the pacer took four wickets and bowled with an economy of just 6.4.

Representing Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, Wong, who travelled to New Zealand with England earlier in the year, picked up a further six wickets.

Commenting on signing for Thunder, Wong said: "It was a no-brainer. When you get such an opportunity you can’t say 'no' to it. This really is a great opportunity for me. I’m still very young, and to have this sort of exposure, and in such a respected league as the WBBL, is super-exciting."

^{Wong is tasked with replacing South Africa international Shabnim Ismail, who took 14 wickets in WBBL 06}

Discussing what Thunder fans can expect from her, she continued: "I play an exciting brand of cricket, I’m always looking to take the positive option. I play with passion; I wear my heart on my sleeve when I’m out on the pitch.

"I try to enjoy those pressure moments, because it is a privilege to be playing in those situations. It’s something I look to enjoy. I always look to take the positive option, and to be brave. Sometimes it just doesn’t come off. However, I think if I’m positive in my decision it comes down to execution.

"I don’t like to sit in the change rooms afterwards and think, 'I wish I tried this', or 'I wish I’d gone for that'. I don’t like to leave anything out there."

Sydney Thunder’s head coach, Trevor Griffin, added: "Issy is a quick bowler who wants to bowl fast. What I like about her is apart from the fact she wants to bowl fast; she always wants to make an impact on the game.

"That means she wants the ball, she can bowl at the different phases of the game, whether that’s the power play, the middle phase, or at the death. She can also come into bat and hit a long ball if that’s needed as well."