Sydney 21 Aug : Charismatic Australian opener David Warner has ended months of speculation by signing a two-year contract with Big Bash League (BBL) team Sydney Thunder Sydney Thunder, who have managed to pull off one of the most significant achievements in the history of the domestic championship.Warner, who will be able to end his nine-year BBL absence and be available for at minimum five games in the 12th edition of the tournament, which will begin early next year, has been offered a deal that is about what top international players will be offered in the draft in the coming months.
A large portion of the salary of his will be paid by Cricket Australia (CA) outside the Thunder’s AUD1.9m cap, according to an article in cricket.com.au.
The 35-year-old who last was a player in the BBL in December 2013 was reported to be preparing to play in the debut UAE T20 league, which is scheduled to compete with the BBL in the first week of January 2023 however, he will be able to participate in the Thunder’s last five regular season games after the Sydney Test against South Africa before the Kangaroos begin a four-Test trip of India.
“Warner is expected to join the Thunder after his international commitments expire at the conclusion of the January Sydney Test.He might be available for up to five regular season gameswhich includes the summer’s second blockbuster Sydney Smash against the Sixers as well as the finals.” was the tone of a Thunder statement on Sunday.
The Thunder play the reigning champions Perth Scorchers at Sydney Showground Stadium on January 13 before playing 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’s the third time that the opener will play for the Thunder after having only played one game in BBL-1 and BBL-3.In these games he destroyed the opposition by snatching an unbeaten 102 in the match-winning score against Melbourne Stars in Thunder’s first-ever BBL match, and then scoring 50 off 31 balls against the Sydney Sixers when in a losing team two seasons later.
The former player of 96 Tests as well as 133 ODIs and the 91 T20 matches in Australia said he had a desire to contribute to the sport.
“I’m very excited to get back into the Big Bash with the club which I first joined,” Warner said.”I am passionate about the game and am aware that the conditions I have experienced as professional cricketer have been influenced by other senior players who came before me.
“That is the way the game is organized and I know that my contributions to the development of the BBL will hopefully help the future generation of players even after I have retired.”
Warner added that his family had played a role in his decision to play in the BBL.”My “girls” have told me they’d love to see me play in my home as well as in the BBL,” he said.”It will be wonderful for us to be member of the BBL as a whole family, and it’s something I am looking to playing with my girls.”
Thunder head coach Trevor Bayliss said Warner’s signing will have a huge impact on the BBL.
“Davey’s performance in the field is a testimony to his character, and I am confident that he already has and continues to motivate a lot of kids to take up cricket and to love it,” Bayliss said.”He is also a dedicated and committed father this is in perfect harmony with Thunder’s culture as well as the family-oriented characteristic of the Thunder Nation supporters.”
Thunder are still waiting to appoint the BBL-12 captain after the transfer of long-term captain Usman Khawaja to Brisbane Heat, with a decision to be taken closer to the start of the season.
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