Big Bash League: David Warner signs two-year deal with Sydney Thunder
The 35-year-old is set to play for the Thunders in the 12th edition of the tournament early next year
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Aug 21, 2022 2:21 pm
David Warner: (Image Source: Twitter)
Australia’s veteran batter David Warner has ended months of speculation by signing a two-year deal with his original Big Bash League (BBL) side, the Sydney Thunder. The charismatic opener will be making his BBL comeback ending a nine-year drought.
Previously, there were reports of Warner inclined to feature in the new UAE T20 league which is set to clash with the BBL in early-January 2023. However, the 35-year-old is set to play for the Thunders in the 12th edition of the tournament early next year. He is known to be available for at least five matches after the Australian national team faces South Africa in the final Test match of the three-match series concluding in early January.
Warner has been provided a deal worth around what the top overseas players will fetch in the draft later this month, as per reports. Cricket Australia (CA) is known to pay a significant chunk of his salary outside the Thunder’s AUD1.9m cap, stated a report.
“I care deeply about the game, and I am conscious that the conditions that I enjoy as a professional cricketer have largely come from other senior players who have come before me,” he said. “That is how the game is structured and I understand that my contribution to the future of the BBL will hopefully benefit the next generation of players long after I am retired,” Warner was quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Meanwhile, Thunder’s head coach Trevor Bayliss has hailed Warner for his contribution to the game and said that he will continue to inspire many kids to take up the sport. “Davey’s record on the field speaks for itself and I have no doubt he already has, and will continue to, inspire many, many kids to play and love cricket,” Bayliss said.
“He is also a passionate and committed family man and that aligns very well with Thunder’s culture and the family nature of the Thunder Nation supporters,” he added.
Warner who last played the league in 2013, has featured in three BBL games so far and has accumulated 152 runs at a strike rate of 180.95 which include a 50-ball century. Coming into the upcoming season, the southpaw will look to give some match-winning performances with the bat.
