Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Superstar David Warner signs two-year deal
Sydney Thunder have pulled off one of the biggest coups in the history of the KFC BBL, signing superstar David Warner on a two-year deal.
Warner will join the Thunder after his international commitments end at the completion of January’s Sydney Test and could be available for as many as five regular season matches – including the summer’s second blockbuster Sydney Smash against the Sixers – and the finals.
The Thunder play the reigning champion Perth Scorchers at Sydney Showground Stadium on January 13, before matches at Blundstone Arena against the Hurricanes (January 15), Manuka Oval against the Renegades on January 19, the Sixers at the SCG on January 21 and the Stars at the MCG on January 25.
It will be the third time the swashbuckling opener has represented the Thunder Nation, having previously played just one game in both BBL|01 and BBL|03.
In those games he tore the opposition apart – plundering 102 not out in a match winning knock against the Melbourne Stars in Thunder’s first ever BBL match, before scoring 50 from 31 balls against crosstown rival Sixers when in a losing side two seasons later.
Interspersed between his two appearances for Thunder, Warner played a single match for the Sixers, ironically against the Thunder, and was dismissed for a second-ball duck.
The veteran of 96 Tests, 133 ODI’s and 91 T20 matches for Australia, said he was determined to give back to the game.
“I’m really excited to get back to the Big Bash with the club where I started,” Warner said.
“I care deeply about the game, and I am conscious that the conditions that I enjoy as a professional cricketer have largely come from other senior players who have come before me.
“That is how the game is structured and I understand that my contribution to the future of the BBL will hopefully benefit the next generation of players long after I am retired.”
Warner also said his family had influenced his decision to return to the BBL.
“My ‘girls’ have told me that they’d love to watch me play at home and in the BBL,” he said.
“It will be great for us to be a part of the BBL as a family, and it is something that I am really looking forward to sharing with them.”
Thunder Head Coach Trevor Bayliss said Warner’s signing would have a massive impact on the BBL and the Thunder Nation.
“Davey’s record on the field speaks for itself and I have no doubt he already has, and will continue to, inspire many, many kids to play and love cricket,” Bayliss said.
“He is also a passionate and committed family man and that aligns very well with Thunder’s culture and the family nature of the Thunder Nation supporters.
“The club has a tremendous group of young talented batters and leaders, with the likes of Jason Sangha, Ollie Davies, Matt Gilkes and Baxter Holt. They will all benefit greatly from Davey’s experience and guidance.”
Thunder are yet to appoint a captain for BBL|12 following the move of long term skipper Usman Khawaja to Brisbane Heat, with a decision to be made closer to the start of the season.
Sydney Thunder BBL|12 Squad
Head Coach: Trevor Bayliss
Contracted Players: Ollie Davies, Brendan Doggett, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner
Sydney Thunder BBL|12 Home Fixtures
Tue 13 Dec | Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars | Manuka Oval | 7:15pm
Fri 16 Dec | Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 8:15pm
Tue 27 Dec | Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7:15pm
Sat 31 Dec | Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes | Lavington Sports Ground | 3:30pm
Sun 8 Jan | Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7:15pm
Fri 13 Jan | Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 6:30pm
Thu 19 Jan | Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades | Manuka Oval | 7:15pm
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