Sydney Thunder believe again, and that is down to Warner who has managed to unite the side after a turbulent summer.
Sydney Thunder believe again. That is a feeling that eluded them for long.
As the Sydney Thunder’s incredible BBL comeback continues into the finals, coach Trevor Bayliss says David Warner has given the team new hope.
They were getting ready for a post-mortem on the BBL team’s worst season in ten years a year ago. Not since the 2013–14 Thunder team only managed one victory throughout a BBL summer.
However, under the leadership of new captain Warner, they have risen to third place on the ladder this summer with a 5-3 record, easily guaranteeing a spot in the top four and a Wednesday knockout matchup with the Melbourne Stars.
Warner’s unbeaten 88 against the ladder-leading Hobart Hurricanes was the defining moment of his first complete BBL season to date. On the pitch, he scored the second-most runs of any player in the competition.
Rain prevented the Thunder from playing one more match than the Perth Scorchers, whose ace all-rounder Cooper Connolly only managed five more runs. Had it not been for the rain, he probably would have been at the top of the batting rankings. Warner’s influence, however, extends beyond the field of play, according to Bayliss.
“The job he’s done as captain, it’s not just about his batting for example, it’s his personality,” he said. “He’s always up for it, he’s a positive character. Loud, obnoxious sometimes, but the boys love it.
“I think it’s the confidence that he gives his team-mates, and their belief then that they’re good enough to do the job. They’re all good players, they sometimes just need that belief. Certainly I think the results have shown this year.”
“People have this perception around him, but he’s incredible in terms of the conversations he has with individuals and the consistent drive,” Billings said. “You see why he’s one of the best players in the world, still at the age of 38. I’m learning off him every day.”