Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Sydney Thunder have continued their stellar off-season recruitment drive by landing the signature of veteran batter Nic Maddinson for KFC BBL|14.
An Australian Test and T20I player, Maddinson has had a decorated BBL career that dates back to BBL|01 where he played for the title-winning Sydney Sixers.
Since that inaugural season, Maddinson has played for the Sixers, Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, where he replaced Aaron Finch as captain. In total he has amassed 116 BBL appearances and scored 11 half centuries.
The signing comes a day after it was announced that David Warner would return to Western Sydney and Thunder for the next two BBL seasons. Earlier this year Thunder confirmed the signings of English star Sam Billings on a three-year deal and fast bowler Wes Agar for two years.
Maddinson adds further muscle to a Thunder batting group that already includes the likes of Warner, Cam Bancroft, Billings, Jason Sangha, Matt Gilkes, Daniel Sams and prodigious duo Ollie Davies and Sam Konstas.
Tickets for the upcoming KFC BBL|14 season are on sale to the general public today! Grab your tickets: HERE
The left hander, who is equally at home batting at the top of the order or as a finisher, said:
“I was looking forward to coming back to Sydney,” Maddinson said.
“The squad that we’ve got is going to be really competitive. It’s a good mix of older players, and having a younger crop of players coming through is really exciting. Hopefully [I can] learn some stuff about T20 but also teach a few things I’ve learnt along the way.
“The goal for myself is to be consistent, find a game plan that works and slot into the Thunder batting lineup for a full season.”
Speaking on Thunder’s strong connection with Western Sydney, Maddinson expressed excitement at the prospect of playing in front of a home crowd:
“It’s part of Sydney Thunder’s identity. They’ve [Thunder has] always had great support from Western Sydney and I’m really excited to get out there and be part of that.
Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said Maddinson would provide further depth and experience to an already strong batting group.
“We are delighted to have Maddo join us at Sydney Thunder,” Copeland said.
“Maddo has been around the game a long time and has played international cricket. Everyone knows what he can do with the bat, but what is also really exciting is what he can bring in terms of experience and leadership in any part of a match or the season as a whole.
“We expect to be challenging for the BBL title this season and Maddo, as someone who has won a BBL, is a big part of those plans.”
Sydney Thunder BBL|14 Squad: Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (INT), Oliver Davies, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, William Salzmann, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner
