New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan is all set to feature in the Big Bash Premier League for the first time and he will be seen wearing Sydney Thunder’s green.

McClenaghan is very regular in T20 leagues around the world and also played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, where he played a vital role with 19 wickets in the title-winning campaign earlier this year. He ended up his central contract with New Zealand cricket in a move to play T20 cricket freely.

Before playing for Sydney Thunders, he will be in South Africa to play for Durban Qalanders in the newly introduced Global T20 League. McClenaghan will add some more fire in the Thunders’ bowling line-up, which already has Pat Cummins, Client McKay, Gurinder Sandhu and star all-rounder, Shane Watson.

The 31-year-old looked very keen to take ground for the BBL|05 winners and said “I spent some time at the St Lucia Stars with Shane Watson and got to know his outlook on the game and hear his passion for Sydney Thunder and the organization. I grew up in Australia and watched a lot of Aussie cricket and to have the opportunity to play in the Big Bash is something I’m really looking forward to. The Big Bash is a fantastic spectacle, the atmosphere is amazing and skill levels are incredible.”

Meanwhile, Sydney Thunder director of cricket Michael Hussey believes he will bring more balance in the bowling department. “The club identified the need for a frontline bowler as a top priority for the season. I’m looking forward to seeing Mitch in action for the Thunders, he’s a bowler with experience playing in high pressured games at both domestic and international level,” said Mr. Cricket. “We’ve been monitoring his situation with New Zealand Cricket and are pleased to be able to bring him to the Big Bash for the summer.”