The only way was up for Sydney Thunder after they registered one victory last season, but they have certainly shown promising signs of a turnaround. Approaching the midway point of the campaign they are top having notched five wins in six matches including a significant victory over Brisbane Heat at North Sydney Oval under a new leadership group headed by Lisa Keightley. It had felt as though they had put together an excellent draft by securing Marizanne Kapp, Heather Knight and Lauren Bell, but it has been their fourth signing, Athapaththu, who has been the revelation and has forced herself into their top three overseas, meaning Bell has been benched. Coupled with the evolving power hitting of Litchfield and the resurgence of Hannah Darlington, they are looking a very well-balanced team. Belinda Clark, the former Australia captain, has also been working with them in mentoring capacity.