Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Former Melbourne Stars quick Liam Hatcher is set to swap shades of green this summer, signing on with Sydney Thunder for the next two seasons.
The move will mark Hatcher’s second stint in lime with the right-arm paceman a member of Thunder’s squad from BBL|06 through BBL|09, although not playing a game.
Moving to the Stars ahead of BBL|10, Hatcher has since made 17 appearances over the last three seasons.
Presented the challenge of covering international recruit Trent Boult last summer, Hatcher proved he was up to the task, collecting 11 wickets from eight appearances, including a Player of the Match performance against the Strikers at the MCG.
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Making his Big Bash debut against the Thunder, Hatcher collected three scalps in his first outing, playing a crucial role in securing victory for the Stars.
The 26-year-old has additionally become a regular in the NSW line-up, making appearances for the Blues’ Marsh Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup sides last season.
Hatcher has most recently been selected in the Australia A One-Day squad for their series against New Zealand A later this month in Queensland, joining Thunder teammates Ollie Davies and Gurinder Sandhu in the side.
Speaking about the opportunity to sign with the Thunder and playing alongside his NSW teammates, Hatcher said:
“I’m really looking forward to the chance to play alongside some of the NSW boys. Some of the young talent – Ollie Davies, Tanveer Sangha, and the like – is really exciting and they are great fun to play with.
“I think the current Thunder squad is really strong and the group they have put together is exciting. I absolutely think we will be in a position to challenge for the title, both this year and into the future.”
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Speaking about the new recruit, Head of Sydney Thunder, Andrew Gilchrist said:
“Liam ticked a number of the boxes that we were looking for when recruiting for this season. He’s someone that has been part of the NSW set up for a number of years and someone that we’re very familiar with.
“Those who have met and worked with Liam know what a quality person he is and what he’s able to bring to our group. As a club we want to bring in good people and Liam is someone that we’re really looking forward to welcoming into Thunder camp this summer.
Hatcher will have his first opportunity to don the lime green on Tuesday, December 12 when the Thunder face the Brisbane Heat at Manuka Oval. Tickets for the KFC BBL|13 season go on sale to the general public on Monday, August 21.
