WBBL: Sydney Thunders Skipper Rachael Haynes To Miss Entire Tournament

Rachael Haynes, the skipper of Women's Big Bash League side Sydney Thunder, will not be available for the entire tournament due to spending time with her family, hamstring injury sustained during

Rachael went to say that she will continue with her rehabilitation on the injured hamstring while spending time with Leah and Hugo. "As much as I want to be with the team, leaving Leah and Hugo at this stage for such a long period wouldn't be fair on us as a family. I've spoken to all the players and staff, and they've been extremely supportive of my decision."

"It just shows that in matters of the heart, the heart wins. However, I am doing my hamstring rehabilitation with the intention that I can put myself forward to play, but it would be much later in the season and contingent on state borders opening up."

Sydney head coach Adam Griffith was sad about Rachael missing out on the competition but insists that there are options in the team to lead. "As disappointing as this is, I know Rachael will be watching to see who steps up to lead and who seizes their opportunities. However, the overwhelming feeling within the squad is this is a special time for Rachael, Leah, and Hugo, and all of us at Sydney Thunder couldn't be happier for them."

"I have no doubt that this squad, with the inclusion of our Indian internationals Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, will be able to go out and continue with the performance and development Rachael has created under her stewardship."

Apart from Rachael, her Australian team-mates Megan Schutt and Erin Burns will be missing the early matches for their respective teams Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers for personal reasons.