Sydney Thunder signs Mitchell McClenaghan for BBL 2017/18

Mitchell McClenaghan, the New Zealand fast bowler, will represent Sydney Thunder in the upcoming season of Big Bash League. The domestic T20 competition of Australia will commence on December 19 later this year. The left arm fast bowler has been awarded the contract for his starring performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year for Mumbai Indians franchise. He gave up his New Zealand central contract in August to play in the lucrative T20 leagues around the world.

McClenaghan has claimed 112 wickets in 76 T20 and One-Day Internationals from 2012 to 2016. He also represented St. Lucia Zouks and Stars in Caribbean Premier League which concluded early last month. The veteran has also been picked by Durban Qalandars franchise in the new T20 Global League in South Africa. However, he joins the squad which already boasts of star quick Pat Cummins, experienced Clint Mckay, all-rounder Shane Watson, spinner Fawad Ahmed and Gurinder Sandhu.

Big Bash is a fantastic spectacle

Mitchell McClenaghan was excited to be part of the franchise which lifted the trophy in 2015/16 edition. “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 organisation. 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,” he said.

The former Australian cricketer Mike Hussey who is also the director of cricket for Sydney Thunder welcomed the 31-year-old pacer and said he would provide a veteran presence. “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 Thunder, he’s a bowler with experience playing in high pressured games at both domestic and international level. 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,” he said.

Sydney Thunder squad: Aiden Blizzard, Pat Cummins, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Clint McKay, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Rohrer, Shane Watson, Mitchell McClenaghan