Big Bash League team Sydney Thunder signed star batsman Alex Hales for the upcoming edition of the tournament.
Alex Hales also became the first foreign sign for this season, however, more England players are likely to be a part of BBL 10.
Apart from Alex Hales, Tom Banton will play for the Brisbane Heat while Tom Curran will represent the Sydney Sixers. Both the players had played in the last season and will continue with their contracts in the forthcoming edition.
Hales was dropped from the national team last year following the consumption of a banned drug before the World Cup. He had a terrific season in BBL and finished as the second-highest scorer with 576 runs at a strike rate of 146.93.
“To get the chance to come back is exciting because we’re at the start of something. I think the next two-to-three years is going to be very special for Sydney Thunder as a franchise. I really believe that, and to know I’m coming back to that means a lot.” Hales said.
Foreign players who will feature in the BBL will have to undergo quarantine for the period of two weeks. The players will have to remain in their team hotels after they arrive in Australia in November.
Sydney Thunder’s head coach Shane Bond welcomed Hales into the side and spoke on how crucial he is going to be for the team.
“There’s a whole range of reasons to be excited about Alex extending his contract – and they’re exactly why we signed him in the first place. He is a great player who is available for the entire tournament.” Bond said.
“He played brilliantly for us last year, but he was brilliant on-and-off the field. He was hugely popular with the players and support staff – and that’s how Alex is viewed wherever he plays” he added.
The 10th edition of the Big Bash League is set to kickstart from December 3, but Cricket Australia is yet to confirm the final fixture. a
