Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
In-form batter Sam Whiteman said the reason he signed on for a second season with Sydney Thunder’s KFC Big Bash League squad was simple – he wanted to provide extra depth to a club that reminded him of his former team, Perth Scorchers.
Whiteman, who won three BBL titles with Perth, joined Thunder last summer to provide coverage for when the club’s then-skipper Usman Khawaja was on national duty with Australia’s Test team.
The hard-hitting left-hander was targeted by Thunder’s management because of his feats as a top three batter with the Scorchers. However, during his first season in green Whiteman lived up to his reputation of being a positive influence on the western Sydney team’s younger players.
“Sydney Thunder has an exciting group of players,” said the 30-year-old who has enjoyed a dominant start to the summer with Western Australia.
“I see this season as a wonderful opportunity for myself and the group. There is a nice balance here between the young players and the squad’s experienced heads. I see similarities to my time with Perth.”
Whiteman said he looked forward to spending another season under coach Trevor Bayliss, who, in his first season with the club, guided Thunder to third position on the BBL|11 ladder.
“I enjoyed having ‘Trev’ as our coach,” said Whiteman. “While he provides his players with clear messaging, he allows them to play their own game. He prepares the players well, but on game day it is up to the 11 guys playing [to do their thing]. As a player I find that rewarding.
“My aim for BBL|12 is quite simple: I’ve played a fair bit of cricket and I’m experienced. I want to add depth to the squad and to hopefully fit in as I did last year.”
Head of Thunder Andrew Gilchrist said the club’s management wanted Whiteman to continue to provide the squad with his steadying influence and professionalism.
“Sam showed us why he’s so highly respected throughout Australian cricket,” said Gilchrist. “He fitted in from day one, and he was a tremendous influence around the players.
“Even though his on field appearances were limited due to Jason Sangha’s incredible form, he played a crucial role at Thunder. We’re very pleased he’s signed on for another year.”
Sydney Thunder BBL|12 Squad
Head Coach: Trevor Bayliss
Contracted Players: Ben Cutting, Ollie Davies, Brendan Doggett, Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Alex Hales (ENG), Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Usman Qadir (PAK), Alex Ross, Rilee Rossouw (RSA), Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner (AUS), Sam Whiteman
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
