Australia star opener, David Warner will be taking part in the Big Bash League (BBL) after a gap of years as he inked a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder on Saturday. It is the third time he has represented the Thunder, having previously played just one game in both the first and third editions and he played flamboyant knocks in both the games Melbourne Stars and crosstown rival Sixers respectively.
Interspersed between his two appearances for Sydney Thunder, David Warner played a single match for the Sixers, ironically against the Thunder, and was dismissed for a second-ball duck. The veteran of 96 Tests, 133 ODI’s, and 91 T20Is for Australia, said he was determined to give back to the game.
Explaining the same, David Warner said, “I’m really excited to get back to the Big Bash with the club where I started. 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. 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.”
ALSO READ: Deepak Chahar Gave A Warming Of Running Out At The Non-striker’s End
Warner also said his family had influenced his decision to return to the BBL. He explained, “My ‘girls’ have told me that they’d love to watch me play at home and in the BBL. It will be great for us to be a part of the BBL as a family, and it is something that I am really looking forward to sharing with them.”
Wind your clocks back to BBL|01 🕰 when @davidwarner31 scored the first BBL ton in the second ever BBL match 💯
Nine seasons after his last appearance for the @ThunderBBL, he's BACK for #BBL12! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/Ysyw4LDAi0
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) August 20, 2022
Thunder Head Coach Trevor Bayliss said Warner’s signing would have a massive impact on the Thunder Nation. He said, “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. 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.”
ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane To Play or Mumbai In The Upcoming Duleep Trophy
He further added, “The club has a tremendous group of young talented batters and leaders, with the likes of Jason Sangha, Ollie Davies, Matt Gilkes and Baxter Holt. They will all benefit greatly from Davey’s experience and guidance.”
Sydney Thunder is yet to appoint a captain for BBL|12 following the move of long-term captain Usman Khawaja to Brisbane Heat, with a decision to be made closer to the start of the season.
Sydney Thunder BBL|12 Squad: Ollie Davies, Brendan Doggett, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, and David Warner.
