Questions answered in comeback game

The morning of my first competitive match in almost three years was a nervous one.

Would I be able to compete at this level again? Could I keep up? Had the game developed too much?

The unknown is often a scary prospect. All I could do was remind myself that I had done everything I could possibly do to prepare myself for this moment. Cricket is predominantly mental, but the physical preparation gives you the confidence to react to whatever is thrown at you.

Arriving at the lime-green adorned Howell Oval in Penrith, there was a sense that this was going to be something different - something that I had not experienced before.

The KFC Big Bash League has already made huge strides towards engaging more children and families to the game, and a similar vibe was building here. 

Despite the pre-game nerves, they disappeared once I was out in the middle and the familiarity of the situation came flooding back. Game on!

A constant loss of wickets, however, wasn’t the game plan. By the 11th over I found myself at the crease, the Sixers in strife at 5-56. To my relief, I got off strike from the first ball I faced.

I was in, and intent on facing the challenges of both a difficult wicket and playing for the first time alongside another non-Australian international, South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp.

A misunderstanding in our calling – luckily without consequence - soon lightened the mood. The South Africans shout "yar" to mean "yes". To me, "yar" sounded like "nah". A few stop-start singles ensued.

WATCH: Thunder claim bragging rights over Sixers

Tight bowling from the Thunder and a slow outfield limited our burgeoning partnership. As Kapp politely put it, "You hit a lot of twos!". Out of breath, I quickly remembered how physically tiring T20 cricket can be – especially in 35 degree heat and at 36 years of age.

We eventually posted a below-par total of 101, restricted by the economical Rene Farrell, who returned figures of 1-8 off her four overs. This in turn allowed their young left-arm seamer, Lauren Cheatle, to burst through our line-up, picking up four wickets in only her sixth game at state level. 

Still, there were runs on the board, and we entered the second innings with the belief that we could defend them.

Kapp made the breakthrough in the third over and after a few near-misses, we were right back in it. Indicative of this do-or-die attitude was Sarah Aley, who bowled the final ball of her spell with a dislocated finger, before calmly popping it back in.

At this point the Thunder’s West Indian import Stafanie Taylor put her foot down, taking full advantage of the fielding regulations which restricted just four outfielders to the boundary. She finished with an unbeaten 59 off 38 deliveries, steering the Thunder home with plenty to spare. 

We were outplayed in all facets of the game and understandably disappointed. As is the nature of Twenty20, if you don’t turn up ready to play, you'll get beaten. 

It’s not the perfect start, but it’s a long tournament. If we were ever going to lose a match, you’d rather it be the first than the last.

We’ve learnt many lessons and for me personally I was just glad to be able to contribute. At least now I have the confidence that I can compete at this level again.

Bring on next weekend – more matches and more opportunities!