Lend Lease Breaker, Rachael Haynes
Delly Carr / Sportshoot

Rachael Haynes hasn’t had a lot of downtime since moving to Sydney almost 12 months ago and linking with the Lend Lease Breakers. 

Now enjoying a well-deserved holiday (from cricket at least!), “Des” caught up with cricketnsw.com to chat about her WNCL Final ton, touring India and what she’d like to see improved in Sydney!

How was your first season with the Lend Lease Breakers? What were the highlights?

I really enjoyed my first season with NSW. There’s a great group of girls in the squad and we enjoyed some success together which was nice to be part of. The season highlight for me was winning the WNCL title.

Can you describe the feeling of scoring a century in the WNCL Final at the SCG? Where your family there to see it?

When I was batting I didn’t think too much about it - I was just trying to score as many runs as possible.

The thing I noticed the most, however, was when I got out and was walking off the ground. There weren’t lots of people at the game but I remember looking up and hearing the applause from people in the stand which gave me goosebumps.

I’ve never really experienced something like that before. It was a pretty amazing feeling walking off to that and something I will remember for a long time.

My mum came up to watch the Final. It was great having her there because my parents didn’t get to see me play too much throughout the season. They’ve always been really supportive so it was nice having her there.

The wet weather in Sydney robbed you of a couple of opportunities to get game time in the Australian team. How frustrating is it when this happens?

Very, but unfortunately you can’t control the weather!

I guess the key is to remain patient so that when the opportunity does come you’re nice and relaxed, and hopefully can make the most of it.

Where you happy with how you performed in India? Did the training camp you had there last winter help you on this tour?

In terms of performance, yes and no. It was nice to get some starts and make contributions with the bat in some of the games, but I would have liked to have made some bigger scores.

However, having said that, it was good stringing some games together as well as getting a chance to roll my arm over as well.

The camp last year really helped me. I took a lot out of learning how to play in those conditions and what strengths from my game I could use to be successful.

Conversely it also helped me identify some areas to work on that would help me adapt quickly to the conditions. It certainly was an advantage going over there and gaining an understanding of what I could be faced with.

Did you get to do much sightseeing in India?

Unfortunately I didn’t get to see too much when I was over there because when we weren’t training, playing or traveling, I was studying.

I’m pretty sure a lot of my teammates think I’m the most boring roommate ever!

I did take the opportunity to get out and walk around the local markets when I could, but probably didn’t see as much as some of the other girls.

You’ve been living in Sydney almost a year now. Are there any places you like more than others?

I love the water so have enjoyed getting down to the beach - Bondi is a favourite but it does get a bit busy in summer.

What would you like to improve about Sydney?

Traffic, public transport and rain! It rains here more than anywhere!