BBL 2018-19: Joe Root and Jos Buttler sign up for Sydney Thunder

England’s Test captain Joe Root and vice-captain Jos Buttler have signed up for Sydney Thunder for the upcoming season Big Bash League (BBL), Australia’s domestic T20 competition. The duo has reached an agreement with the franchise whereby they will be available for half of the campaign. The tournament will start on December 19, 2018, and go on until February 17, 2019.

The agreement sees Buttler, who hit maiden Test century at Trent Bridge against India, returning to the team for which he played six matches last season and has penned down a two-year contract. He also played for Melbourne Renegades in the 2013-14 season. Root, on the other hand, will be playing in an overseas T20 competition for the first time. He remained unsold in the auction for this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

Root excited

Joe Root was delighted to join the Thunders and was excited to work with Shane Bond who worked as England’s bowling consultant during the Ashes last year.

“Everyone you speak to that has played in the Big Bash finds it a really interesting tournament and watching it you can see that. You want to be involved in it and I’m really excited to get that opportunity with Sydney Thunder. I’ve had some really good experiences with Shane Bond in the past when I’ve worked with him and I’m really looking forward to doing that again,” The Cricketer quoted the 27-year-old Root as saying.

Buttler looking forward 

Buttler is a more experienced player in the T20 circuit and also had a great time in the IPL this year. He was looking forward towards building upon his earlier experience in the BBL.

“I loved my time there, there’s a great atmosphere in the group. There’s a lot of young guys but some experience in there as well, including Shane Watson who I really got to enjoy getting to know and playing under his captaincy. It’s a great part of the world and a really fun dressing room. I’m delighted to be back with the Thunder Nation,” he said after signing a contract.

England’s cricketers, however, have an ill-reputation of leaving overseas tournaments midway to join national duty. This December, the Three Lions do not have any international commitments in any format as their third Test against Sri Lanka ends on November 27 and their next tour is scheduled in January.

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