AB de Villiers on Sydney Thunder's radar to replace Andre Russell

The West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell’s contract with Sydney Thunder has been terminated due to drug violation but it could well be a blessing in disguise as the franchise now has a chance to sign up South African great AB de Villiers. Russell received a 12-month ban at the start of this year after being found guilty of a “doping whereabouts” violation and the second year of the West Indian’s Thunder contract was immediately terminated.

Three contenders

Apart from De Villiers, English batsman Eoin Morgan and World T20 hero Carlos Brathwaite’s names are in the reckoning. AB might have the edge as he is pretty close to the club’s coach Paddy Upton, who also hails from South Africa. He has cleared his intent of not playing a vital role in the Test set up and therefore his chances of participating in the Big Bash gets a huge boost. Morgan has previously played for the Thunder’s, whereas Brathwaite replaced his countryman during the last season.

The new general manager of the team Lee Germon said the signing of Cricket Australia’s MOU with the players had created a “flurry of activity” to get contracts signed, particularly among the women players. Under the new agreement, female cricketers can sign multi-year contracts with WBBL clubs, whereas previously they had only been able to sign for one season.

Germon added that it was a significant and welcome change for the franchise and players. “It’s a very exciting time for the players,” he said. “It’s good both ways because it enables the Thunder to plan ahead. Coaches can work with the athletes knowing they’ve got them for more than a year and it gives the women a bit more security than just the one year.”

Interestingly, India’s Harmanpreet Kaur is in talks of getting associated with the Women’s Big Bash once again. The Indian cricketer was in sublime form during the Women’s World Cup earlier this year.