David Warner returns to the Big Bash League with Sydney Thunder after long BBL absence
Australian star David Warner has signed a two-year deal with Big Bash League (BBL) team Sydney Thunder.
Warner has not played in the BBL since his last stint with the Thunder in the 2013-14 season.
The 35-year-old most recently played T20 club cricket with Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League and is looking forward to playing on home soil again to make his mark on the competition.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to the Big Bash with the club I started at,” Warner said.
“The game is very close to my heart and I am aware that the conditions I enjoy as a professional cricketer are largely inherited from other older players who have come before me.
“That’s how the game is set up and I understand that my contribution to the future of the BBL will hopefully benefit the next generation of players long after I retire.
“My girls have told me they would like to see me play at home and in the BBL.
“It will be great for us to be part of the BBL as a family and I’m really looking forward to sharing it with them.”
Turn your clocks back to BBL|01 🕰 when @davidwarner31 scored the first BBL sound in the second BBL game ever 💯
Nine seasons after his last appearance for the @ThunderBBLhe is BACK for #BBL12! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/Ysyw4LDAi0
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) August 20, 2022
Warner scored 102 points without an out in the Thunder’s first-ever BBL match and backed that up with half a century in his second stint with the club two seasons later.
In both campaigns, Warner played just one game for the club but it is expected he could play up to five regular-season games this time, with the Aussie becoming available for the Thunder after January’s Sydney Test.
Thunder manager Trevor Bayliss believes Warner will be a perfect fit at the club.
“Davey’s record on the pitch speaks for itself and I have no doubt that he has inspired many, many children to play and love cricket,” said Bayliss.
“He’s also a passionate and dedicated family man, and that fits very well with Thunder’s culture and the family nature of Thunder Nation supporters.
“The club has a tremendous group of young talented thugs and leaders including Jason Sangha, Ollie Davies, Matt Gilkes and Baxter Holt. You will all benefit greatly from Davey’s experience and guidance.”
Sydney Thunder finished third in the BBL last season before losing their first finals game to the Adelaide Strikers.