August 20, 2024

BBL: David Warner Joins Sydney Thunder, Steve Smith Set to Play for Sixers

David Warner is set to be a full-time presence in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the first time, having signed a two-year contract with Sydney Thunder. Meanwhile, Steve Smith has committed to a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers, ensuring continued participation in the competition, even beyond his Test career.

Warner’s availability for the entire BBL season significantly boosts Thunder. With his recent retirement from international cricket, the explosive opener can now focus entirely on the league. After appearing in only eight games over the past two seasons due to national duties, Warner will now bring nearly 20 years of T20 experience to the Thunder, playing throughout the tournament, including the finals.

“Davey is popular wherever he plays, right around the world, particularly in India, and I know the South Asian communities in Sydney’s west will get right behind him at Thunder,” said Thunder general manager Trent Copeland in a statement released on Tuesday.

“In Davey we get a world-class talent, and now that he has retired from international cricket, we can count on his full focus and commitment for the entire tournament.”

Steve Smith, meanwhile, has solidified his future with the Sydney Sixers by signing a three-year contract. Although currently one of Australia’s Test openers, the deal allows Smith the flexibility to play an entire BBL season if he chooses to retire from international cricket within the next three years. This long-term commitment ensures that Smith remains a crucial figure for the Sixers as his career evolves.

Smith, however, remains noncommittal about his Test future, stating, “I don’t have any plans. I’m just enjoying playing at the moment, I’m pretty relaxed and looking forward to this summer.”

In addition to Warner and Smith, other Australian Test stars like Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey have re-signed with their respective BBL teams. Labuschagne will return to Brisbane Heat, the reigning champions after Australia’s tour of India concludes in early January. “His game sense is exceptional and that is a huge asset to us on and off the field,” said Heat coach Johan Botha. Carey, who has been with Adelaide Strikers for his entire BBL career, has committed to a new four-year deal with the franchise.

Australia’s star fast-bowling trio—Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins—have yet to sign BBL contracts. With a focus on recovery ahead of the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, they are expected to prioritize rest over participation in the tournament.

Nic Maddinson Joins Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League

 August 21, 2024

Following the acquisition of David Warner on a two-year contract, Sydney Thunder has strengthened its batting lineup even further by signing Australian cricketer Nic Maddinson to a one-year deal ahead of the Big Bash League’s 14th season (BBL).

Maddinson, who has represented Australia in three Test matches and six T20 Internationals, is returning to Sydney after spending six years with the Melbourne Stars and Renegades in the BBL. This move follows his return to his home state of New South Wales from Victoria in domestic cricket.

“I was looking forward to coming back to Sydney. The squad that we’ve got is going to be really competitive. It’s a good mix of older players, and having a younger crop of players coming through is really exciting.”

“Hopefully (I can) learn some stuff about T20 but also teach a few things I’ve learned along the way. The goal for myself is to be consistent, find a gameplan that works and slot into the Thunder batting lineup for a full season,” said Maddinson in a statement.

Maddinson joins a squad featuring David Warner, Cam Bancroft, Jason Sangha, Matt Gilkes, Daniel Sams, Ollie Davies, Sam Konstas, and England wicketkeeper Sam Billings. Sydney Thunder is primed for a successful BBL Season 24 with one domestic roster place left and the chance to acquire two more international players through the September 1 draft.

Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said Maddinson would provide further depth and experience in a strong batting group. “We are delighted to have Maddo join us at Sydney Thunder. Maddo has been around the game a long time and has played international cricket.”

“Everyone knows what he can do with the bat, but what is also really exciting is what he can bring in terms of experience and leadership in any part of a match or the season as a whole. We expect to be challenging for the BBL title this season and Maddo, as someone who has won a BBL, is a big part of those plans.”

The BBL Season 14 squad for the Sydney Thunder is as follows: Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (England), Oliver Davies, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Samuel Salzmann, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, and David Warner.

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