David Warner Joins Sydney Thunder on Two-Year Deal

August 20, 2024

David Warner Joins Sydney Thunder on Two-Year Deal

David Warner, the former Australian opener, has signed a two-year contract with the Sydney Thunder, committing to the 14th edition of the Big Bash League. At 37, Warner, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, will return in lime green this summer, significantly boosting the western Sydney club.

Big Bash League: David Warner Signs Two-Year Deal With Sydney Thunder

“(There’s a) great bunch of people, a great coach and I’ve always been a part of Thunder,” Warner said.

“I really liked the environment last year, the group we had brought a lot of energy. This year, I think we can go a couple of steps better.”

Warner has appeared in ten matches for the Thunder since his Big Bash debut in 2011, amassing 301 runs at an average of 37.62 and a strike rate of 135.58.

He scored the Thunder’s first BBL century in the league’s inaugural season, with an unbeaten 102 off 51 balls against the Sydney Sixers.

Warner’s old Test opening partner Cameron Bancroft, rising talent Ollie Davies, and England wicketkeeper Sam Billings will all be at the Thunder.

Warner will play in the UAE’s ILT20 with the Dubai Capitals following the conclusion of the BBL in January.

Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

Last summer, the Thunder finished at the bottom of the BBL standings, securing just one win from ten group-stage matches.

Warner participates for the Boca Raton Trailblazers in the Cayman Islands-based MAX60 competition, which is a ten-over event. During his previous stint with the Thunder, he scored 50 runs in two appearances.

“This upcoming season is hopefully going to be a better one than last year,” Warner continued.

“The group of guys that we had last season really brought a lot of energy, we had a lot of fun on the field, but off the field we gelled very well together … and this year, I think we can go a couple of steps better and play some play some good cricket.

“We’ve got great talent in the team, a good bunch of young kids as well, so hopefully that can (push us) further than last season.”

On Tuesday, three of Australia’s Test stars secured multi-year contracts with Big Bash franchises.

Australian opener Steve Smith committed to an additional three seasons with the Sixers. Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey extended his four-year contract with the Adelaide Strikers. Queensland batter Marnus Labuschagne will again play for the Brisbane Heat this summer.

On January 17, Warner and Smith might compete in a Sydney derby at the SCG.

“Who better to announce is coming back to Western Sydney and Sydney Thunder on the day BBL tickets go on sale than David Warner,” Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said in a statement.

“We are a family club with strong links to the areas we represent, and Davey is a very proud family man who engages within our community like few others.

“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.

“In Davey we get a world-class talent with almost 20 years of T20 experience and now that he has retired from international cricket, we can count on his full focus and commitment for the entire tournament, including the finals.

“It’s very exciting for our club, especially our loyal members and fans.”

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Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.