‘Always had the talent’: Why young gun Phoebe Litchfield is poised to be Australia’s x-factor with the bat
- Litchfield hit the fastest half-ton in history
- The 20-year-old rising star continues to get better
- Her rise in the sport has been remarkable
Australian batting star Phoebe Litchfield recently smashed the fastest half-century in women’s cricket history – and according to her teammates, the 20-year-old is just getting started.
Earlier this week, West Indies pulled off a remarkable run chase at North Sydney Oval to beat the hosts by seven wickets.
But before the tourist side piled up the runs, Litchfield blasted just 18 balls for a half-century, hitting five sixes.
Litchfield’s unbeaten knock of 52 when batting at No. 6 was a new role for the youngster from Orange in central western NSW, who normally opens.
Australian skipper Alyssa Healy said the talented batswoman is improving with every match and will only get better with more experience.
Phoebe Litchfield smashed the fastest half-century in the history of women’s cricket this week
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable rise in the sport over the past twelve months
“I think she’s always had the talent, she’s always had the skill,” Healy said.
“It’s just learning when to shoot and what’s the right shot at the right time.
“But I think she’s gained some confidence at international level; to score a hundred in Ireland was great.
“Coming back home to Australia, to have an opportunity that maybe she didn’t think she would get first, to grab it with both hands… hopefully it gives her the confidence to know that we can give her and that we believe that she can do exactly that.’
Litchfield’s rise in the sport over the past twelve months has been truly remarkable, and says part of her batting prowess could be down to her strength and fitness.
‘It was a bit of a crazy innings. “I’ve only cleared the rope about a foot each time, but I’m taking it with me,” she said.
Australian skipper Alyssa Healy said Litchfield has always had the raw talent to be an international player
The young gun (pictured, near the crease at North Sydney Oval) says she’s been practicing her power shots and weightlifting
“I’ve been practicing that power hitting and getting a little more freedom in my T20 game, it’s a little more satisfying to put that performance on the board.
“I’ve been lifting weights, but I’m not sure how that compares to hitting balls, I don’t think so. If I can time the ball best, it will go further.
“So it’s not just about getting bigger.”
Litchfield is expected to hit more sixes this week when the Aussies play their T20 series decider in Brisbane.