Big Bash to bush: Thunder stars connect with Country NSW

Sydney Thunder players will participate in Cricket NSW's annual Country Blitz on August 6 and 7, visiting regional towns across Southern and Western NSW to engage communities and inspire participation in cricket.

Players will conduct school visits, come-and-try sessions, cricket clinics, and community lunches with local cricket club and association members.

Oliver Davies and Sienna Eve will visit the Central Tablelands, stopping at Orange Public School and Anson Street Public School, hosting an after-school clinic at Wade Park, and traveling to Bathurst to visit Scots All Saints.

Ryan Hadley and Hannah Darlington will tour the Riverina for two days, visiting four schools in Corowa and Albury, attending a Come-n-Try Day at the Albury-Wodonga Regional Cricket Hub, and meeting local volunteers.

Matt Gilkes will visit his home region in the Southern Highlands, stopping at Bowral, Mittagong, and Hill Top. Over two days, he will visit five local schools, meet volunteers, and participate in a clinic at Bradman Oval.

Sam Bates will travel to the Southern Inland region, visiting schools and participating in a come-and-try clinic in Wagga Wagga, Griffith, and Yenda. Bates reflected that as someone from the country who lacked similar opportunities, inspiring children to play and love cricket is particularly meaningful to her.