NOW she has found some more enjoyment in her cricket, Rhiann O’Donnell is intent on making the most of her “second chance”.
The 23-year-old from Mildura West is gearing up for her return campaign in the new Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), beginning today.
After not being part of the Victorian women’s squad for the 2020-21 season, O’Donnell rediscovered her mojo, claiming the Victorian Premier Cricket’s Una Paisley award for league best and fairest after a standout season with Melbourne Cricket Club.
She also played some matches for her home club, with her form rewarded with a new Victorian contract and a gig with the Renegades for the latest instalment of the Twenty20 competition, alongside fellow Sunraysia export Makinley Blows.
After finishing quarantine yesterday, O’Donnell has been focused on trying to put herself in the plans of coach Simon Helmot, after having last played WBBL cricket for the Hobart Hurricanes three seasons ago.
The all-rounder admitted that in her year out of the Victorian system, she had learnt more about herself as a cricketer.
“It was more about my growth and focusing on my strengths and what to take on board,” she said. “I think I’ve learned more about myself in the past 12 to 18 months than any other time.
“If I had my time again there are probably a few things I would do differently, but I know not everyone gets a second chance in the system and I’m keen to make the most of the opportunity.
“Now that I’ve got the backing from Melbourne I have a bit more confidence, and playing back home in Mildura last year as well was great. I really got that enjoyment back for playing cricket. I don’t think I realised how closely people followed us at home until last season.”
The Renegades have seen a significant turnover of players from last season, with Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux to captain the side.
“We have players coming in from all around the country, it’s really good to have a number of different outlooks,” O’Donnell said. “I think with franchise cricket, people are more willing to chase opportunities outside of their home state.
“Being back around someone like Jess Duffin, who’s back from a year off after giving birth, will be a great experience. Seeing the freedom in her own game is something I really admire and take a lot from.
“It’s the same with our international girls as well, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues from India, and even Eve Jones, who’s been churning out runs for fun in England.
“Then you have other girls I’ve grown up playing with like Makinley, Molineux and Georgia Wareham, and they’ve only become better cricketers over the past few years.”
Renegades first game of the new campaign is against the Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena today at 3.40pm.
