Warner to revive BBL career with Sydney Thunder
SYDNEY. Australian batsman David Warner signed a two-year deal with the Sydney Thunder on Sunday, ending a nine-year absence from the Big Bash League.
The 35-year-old starter hasn’t played in the national Twenty20 competition since 2013 and said he wanted to get involved again to help support the next generation.
“I am very excited to return to the Big Bash with the club where I started,” said Warner, a veteran of 96 Tests, 133 ODIs and 91 T20 games for Australia.
“I care deeply about the game and am aware that the conditions I enjoy as a professional cricketer largely come from other veteran players who have come before me.
“This is how the game is structured and I understand that my contribution to the future of the BBL will benefit the next generation of players long after I retire.”
Warner hasn’t represented the Thunder since the third season of BBL, where he played just one game. He also played just one game for them in the inaugural season and appeared once for the Sydney Sixers.
He will join the team after his international commitments end in January and could be available for up to five regular season games.
“The club has a tremendous group of talented young hitters and leaders, like Jason Sangha, Ollie Davies, Matt Gilkes and Baxter Holt,” Thunder head coach Trevor Bayliss said.
“Everyone will benefit greatly from Davey’s experience and guidance.”
The BBL season kicks off on December 13 when the Thunder take on the Melbourne Stars.
READ: Cricket Australia likely to lift Warner’s lifetime captaincy ban: Reports
