Charismatic David Warner, an Australian opener, has put an end to months of rumours by signing a two-year contract with Sydney Thunder of the Big Bash League (BBL), who have essentially pulled off one of the biggest victories in the history of the local competition.
Warner, who will return to the BBL after a nine-year hiatus and be available for at least five games in the 12th edition of the competition early next year, reportedly received a contract comparable to what the best foreign players will command in the upcoming draught.
According to a source on cricket.com.au, Cricket Australia (CA) will cover a sizeable amount of his salary outside of the Thunder's AUD1.9 million salary restriction.
After the Sydney Test against South Africa and before the Kangaroos leave for a four-Test tour of India, the 35-year-old, who last played in the BBL in December 2013, will be available to play in the Thunder's final five regular season games. He was reportedly planning to play in the new UAE T20 league, which will compete with the BBL in early January 2023.
"Warner will join the Thunder after his international obligations conclude at the conclusion of January's Sydney Test and could be available for as many as five regular-season games, including the summer's second blockbuster Sydney Smash against the Sixers," read a statement from the Thunder on Sunday.
Prior to games against the Hurricanes (January 15), the Renegades at Manuka Oval (January 19), the Sixers at the SCG (January 21), and the Stars at the MCG (January 25), the Thunder take on the defending champion Perth Scorchers at Sydney Showground Stadium on January 13.
Having previously played just one game in both BBL-1 and BBL-3, this will be the opener's third time for the Thunder. He annihilated the opposition in those games, striking 50 from 31 balls against the Sydney Sixers while playing for a losing team two seasons later after scoring 102 not out in a game-winning knock against the Melbourne Stars in Thunder's first-ever BBL match.
The Australian veteran of 96 Tests, 133 ODIs, and 91 T20 games said he was keen to give back to the sport.
Warner expressed his excitement about returning to the Big Bash with his original team. "I have a great passion for the game, and I am aware that many of the advantages I have as a professional cricketer are largely due to the senior players who came before me.
I am aware of how the game is set up and how, ideally, my contribution to the BBL's future will help the players who come after me long after I am retired.
Warner added that his choice to rejoin the BBL was inspired by his family. The BBL and at home, "my 'ladies' have told me they'd love to see me play," he said. "I am particularly looking forward to sharing the BBL with kids and how fantastic it will be for us to be a part of it as a family," the author said.
Warner's addition, according to Thunder head coach Trevor Bayliss, will significantly affect the BBL.
"Davey's record on the field speaks for itself, and I have no doubt he has inspired many, many kids to play and enjoy cricket and will continue to do so," Bayliss said. He is also a devoted and passionate family man, which fits very nicely with Thunder's culture and the supportive community's focus on family.
Following the departure of long-time leader Usman Khawaja to Brisbane Heat, Thunder have yet to name a captain for the BBL-12; a choice will be made closer to the start of the season.