Sammy-Jo Johnson re-signs for Sydney Thunder

The allrounder, who has scored 671 runs and taken 85 wickets in her WBBL career, rejected a contract for The Hundred in order to focus on the domestic T20 competition

Sammy-Jo Johnson has re-signed for Sydney Thunder ahead of the 2022/23 Women's Big Bash.

The allrounder, who previously represented Brisbane Heat, joined Thunder ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Across her career, she has made 89 WBBL appearances, scoring 671 runs at a strike rate of 121.77 and taking 85 wickets, placing her 10th in the all-time wicket-taking charts.

Johnson endured a quiet season with the ball in 2021, taking just 10 wickets, and turned down offers from other clubs and a contract for The Hundred in order to concentrate on her role as a senior player for Thunder.

"I love everything Sydney Thunder stands for," she said. "I love its connection to the community, and I love that we represent the western suburbs – I have been a 'westie' since I came down from Queensland, and I wouldn't live anywhere else.

^{Johnson feels she let the Thunder squad down last season [Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images]}

"Some other clubs came knocking - nipping at the ankles - but I shut that down quite quickly. I had no plans to leave Sydney Thunder and my teammates.

"I had a last-minute opportunity to go to England, but I said no because I wanted to make sure I was fit, strong and healthy for Thunder. Last season I felt as though I let the team down a little bit as a senior player, and I wanted to make sure I ticked some boxes during the off-season.

"I've worked hard on my fitness, and I feel strong. I was away from home for six months last year, but, heading into WBBL08, I feel as though I've benefited from having a routine because I am feeling strong and confident."

Head coach, Trevor Griffin, added: "Sammy-Jo is quality with the ball, powerful with the bat, and what we saw in her batting towards the backend of last year's WBBL is she has more than just the power game.

"Some of the shots she played through the covers suggested to me she's much more than a player who is pigeon-holed as a big hitter.

"Sammy-Jo has the ability to bat in a number of roles, she can bowl at different stages of the game, and I'm delighted she's decided to continue playing with Thunder."