Cricket

Nic Maddinson, a former Australian Test cricketer, is determined to make a comeback to the national team after a strong finish to the Sheffield Shield season with New South Wales. Maddinson, who returned to his home state after six seasons with Victoria, scored three centuries in three Shield matches last season, showcasing his improved batting skills.Maddinson's performances have reignited his Test aspirations, as he believes he is a significantly better player than he was during his previous Test appearances in 2016-17. He acknowledges that the competition for Test selection is fierce, but he remains motivated to represent Australia once again.In addition to his Test ambitions, Maddinson is also eager to revive his T20 career after a disappointing season with the Melbourne Renegades. He hopes to find a consistent role with the Sydney Thunder, where he could potentially open the batting alongside David Warner.Maddinson's return to form has been attributed to his ability to adapt his batting style and overcome technical challenges. He believes that his experience in longer-form cricket has benefited his T20 game, and he is confident that he can make a significant contribution to the Thunder.The Thunder's top order, which includes Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Ollie Davies, and Sam Billings, is expected to be a formidable force in the upcoming BBL season. Maddinson is excited about the prospect of playing alongside such talented batsmen and contributing to the team's success.

David Warner and Steven Smith, two of Australia's most decorated cricketers, have committed their futures to the Big Bash League (BBL) with new contracts. Warner has signed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder, while Smith has inked a three-year contract with Sydney Sixers.Warner, who recently retired from international cricket, will be available for a full BBL season for the first time in his career. The explosive opener has played just eight games for Thunder over the past two seasons, but he is now set to be a mainstay in the team's lineup.Smith, on the other hand, could potentially play a full BBL season beyond his Test career. The former Australian captain has not ruled out retiring from Test cricket over the next three years, which would free him up to play more games for Sixers.The Test stars are set to be available for a handful of games between the end of the Sydney Test against India and their departure for the Sri Lanka tour on January 21. This includes the BBL's knockout stage, which begins on the same day.Other Test team-mates Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey have also re-signed with their respective BBL franchises, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers. Labuschagne will return to Heat, the reigning champions, after India's Australia tour concludes on January 7. Carey has signed a four-year deal with the Strikers, with whom he has played all 56 BBL games of his eight-year career.The signings of Warner, Smith, Labuschagne, and Carey are a major boost for the BBL, which is set to begin its 14th edition in December. The league has been struggling to attract fans in recent years, but the presence of these star players is sure to generate excitement and interest.

Sydney Thunder has secured the services of Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu for the next three seasons, making her the first player to sign a multi-year contract under the WBBL's new rules. Athapaththu, who played for Thunder last season as an undrafted player, impressed with her all-round abilities, finishing as the Player of the Tournament.Athapaththu's signing is a significant coup for Thunder, who believe she can help them challenge for their first WBBL title. The 33-year-old is one of the most experienced and successful players in women's cricket, having captained Sri Lanka to the 2022 Asia Cup title. She is also a prolific run-scorer and a dangerous bowler, making her a valuable asset to any team."Committing to Sydney Thunder for the next three seasons was an easy decision because I believe in the vision of this club, and I want to be part of its future success," Athapaththu said. "There's so much to love about my Sydney Thunder family. My team-mates are not just colleagues; they are friends who push each other to be better every day, [which] is important to me. Western Sydney is the heart and soul of Sydney Thunder and representing such a diverse and vibrant community is a privilege to have. It's been an incredible journey so far, and I'm so excited for what's ahead."Thunder general manager Trent Copeland is delighted to have secured Athapaththu's services for the long term. "Chamari is obviously an exceptional cricket player, but she is also an exceptional human being who is team first and fan first," Copeland said. "We know other teams were interested in signing her, but we made every effort to ensure she came back. To see the way she embraced and engaged with our members and fans last summer was something pretty special and on the field she had one of the WBBL's great seasons."Athapaththu has had stints in the WBBL previously with Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers. Last season, after not being selected in the draft, she was added to the Thunder squad as cover for their three overseas players. She quickly became a key player for Thunder, scoring 552 runs at an average of 42.46 and taking nine wickets.Thunder open their 2024-25 campaign against Hobart Hurricanes on October 28. With Athapaththu in their ranks, they will be confident of making a strong challenge for the title.

Sydney Thunder has made a significant acquisition ahead of WBBL10 by signing all-rounder Georgia Voll from Brisbane Heat on a three-year contract. Voll, 20, is widely regarded as one of Australia's most promising batting talents and has also made an impact with her offspin bowling.Despite a challenging WBBL season with the bat, Voll showcased her batting prowess later in the season with a double century in the red-ball 'Green and Gold' game and two WNCL hundreds for Queensland. Her all-around abilities attracted interest from multiple WBBL clubs, but Voll was swayed by conversations with Thunder coach Lisa Keightley."I never expected to play for a New South Wales team, but after talking to Lisa and the guys down there, I'm super excited for the opportunity," Voll said. "Lisa was clear on the role she wants me to play, and that got me over the line."Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland praised Voll's talent and potential. "Georgia has shown since the day she arrived on the scene that she is a special talent with both bat and ball," Copeland said. "She is a future Australian star, and this is a huge signing for the club."Voll's departure from Heat marks a period of significant change for the team, which has also lost Amelia Kerr to Sydney Sixers and coach Ashley Noffke. However, Heat has signed South Africa all-rounder Nadine de Klerk and still boasts a formidable top order led by Grace Harris, Georgia Redmayne, Laura Harris, and Charli Knott.

Sydney Thunder's general manager, Trent Copeland, is optimistic about David Warner's return for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. Warner, who has been a key figure for the Thunder in the past, has expressed his desire to play a full campaign with the club.Warner's availability has been limited in recent seasons due to his international commitments. However, with his Test career now behind him, he could be more available for the BBL. Copeland is eager to capitalize on this opportunity and believes Warner's presence would greatly benefit the team."He's a champion of the club, a long-standing member, and hasn't really had the opportunities in his career to just live and breathe that for a full summer," Copeland said. "So I'm really keen to make that happen."Warner has other commitments, including a deal with the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, but Copeland is confident that the Thunder can accommodate his schedule. "Let's make sure we make that happen and he can be a Thunder man for life," Copeland said.Warner himself has expressed his enthusiasm for playing in the BBL next season. "I definitely am keen to pursue playing Big Bash next year," he said. "There's going to be conversations behind the scenes to allow me to do that."Copeland has made significant changes to the Thunder's roster since taking over as GM. Wes Agar and Sam Billings have been brought in, and the team has the third pick in the upcoming overseas draft. Copeland is confident that the Thunder can make a strong run in the upcoming season with Warner's potential return and the new additions to the team.

England wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings has become the first player to sign a multi-year contract in the Big Bash League (BBL), committing to the Sydney Thunder for the next three seasons. This move is a significant step for the BBL, as it aims to retain top players amidst competition from rival T20 leagues.Billings, who previously played for the Thunder in 2020-21 and 2021-22, has been a key player for England in recent years. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Thunder, who are looking to rebuild after a disappointing season last year.Under the new multi-year contract option, players are required to commit to the entire BBL season, including the finals, from the 2025-26 season onwards. Billings has gone a step further and will be available throughout next season's edition as well."I love Sydney and in particular Western Sydney and the chance to come back to a family club that is so connected to their members and fans and the people from the area was too good an opportunity to ignore," Billings said.The BBL faces significant competition from the SA20 and ILT20 leagues, which overlap with its schedule. The new multi-year contract option is an attempt to secure players for the duration of the tournament by offering them security."The BBL is in such a great place these days, it's well run, well supported and definitely the best tournament in the world staged at that time of the year. That's why I have committed long term and to be here right until the end of the tournament each year," Billings added.The Thunder are excited to have Billings on board, as they look to improve on their performance last season."The beauty of bringing a player the calibre of Sam Billings to the club is not just the elite skillset he brings to every facet of the game but also his leadership on and off the field," said Thunder general manager Trent Copeland.Billings is the second Thunder signing confirmed in two days, following the acquisition of highly-rated young batter Sam Konstas. The Thunder are building a strong squad under new coach Trevor Bayliss, who recently signed a one-year extension.

Trevor Bayliss, the former England coach who guided the team to the 2019 ODI World Cup triumph, has been handed a one-year contract extension by Sydney Thunder. The decision comes despite the club's disappointing performance last season, where they finished last in the BBL standings with only one win.Bayliss, who has been at the helm of Thunder for the past three seasons, expressed his determination to turn things around. "I've been here three years and there is probably a little bit of unfinished business," he said. "We've been working towards something over the last few years. With that and some of the recruitment we've done this year, we should be in a good position to win a number of games. Our ambition should be to win the tournament."Thunder have also secured a deal to play four games at Sydney Showground next summer, an increase from the three they played last season. This move is part of the club's commitment to remain in western Sydney, despite criticism of the Showground wicket from former players like Ricky Ponting."I'm a western Sydney guy, I'm still involved with the Penrith club out here in the west of Sydney, and there's a lot of interest in Sydney Thunder," Bayliss said. "There are always people going to the games from out this way and asking questions about the club. Through Thunder being part of western Sydney and closer to where they live, rather than having to go to the SCG they can get along to a Thunder match and watch their own team play high-class cricket."Thunder have already made a significant player signing ahead of next season, acquiring Wes Agar from Adelaide Strikers in a trade deal. The club's fans will also be eagerly awaiting news on the future of David Warner, whose contract expires at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Wes Agar, a seasoned left-arm spinner, has made history as the first player to be traded in the BBL's overseas draft. The move sees Agar depart the Adelaide Strikers, where he spent eight seasons, for the Sydney Thunder. In exchange, the Strikers have improved their draft position in the second round.Agar's departure from the Strikers marks a significant shift for the franchise. He was an integral part of their attack in previous seasons, particularly in 2020-21 when he claimed 22 wickets at an impressive average of 20.77. However, his playing time diminished last season, with Henry Thornton emerging as the preferred pace option and the Strikers opting for two legspinners.Despite his limited appearances, Agar remains highly regarded by Australian selectors. He was called up as squad cover for Australia's final T20I against West Indies in February. His move to the Thunder presents a fresh opportunity for the 27-year-old to showcase his skills.The Thunder, under the guidance of new General Manager Trent Copeland, are looking to bolster their attack after a disappointing season where they struggled to make an impact with the ball. Copeland expressed his excitement about Agar's arrival, describing him as "a proven performer in this format and one of the Big Bash's most likeable guys."The Strikers, while understanding Agar's desire for a change, are pleased to have improved their draft position. Interim General Manager Shaun Williams said, "We are pleased we were able to improve our draft position as part of this trade ahead of the BBL|14 draft later this year."The trade between the Strikers and Thunder highlights the evolving landscape of the BBL. As teams look to optimize their rosters, player movement is becoming increasingly common. Agar's move to Sydney is a testament to his talent and the Thunder's ambition to challenge for the title.