New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan has been roped in by Sydney Thunder for the upcoming seventh edition of the Big Bash League.
The latest contract, nonetheless, has augured well with McClenaghan’s plans according to which he refused to sign the central contract for New Zealand in August this year to in a bid to play in lucrative franchise cricket around the world.
One of the most sought-after pacers in the shortest format of the game, the left-arm seamer has done well for Mumbai Indians in recent times. In the last edition of the Indian Premier League, he took 19 wickets in 14 games to help the Mumbai-based outfit lift the title for a record third time. He had taken 112 wickets across 76 Twenty20 and One-Day Internationals from between 2012 and 2016.
Mitch McClenaghan joins the #ThunderNation for #BBL07 as Alex Blackwell and @MazdaAus extend contracts! Read – https://t.co/eB9Kd72lrY pic.twitter.com/ww4DzNWHgV
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) October 5, 2017
Expressing his delight over the new deal, McClenaghan, who also played for St Lucia Stars alongside Thunder skipper Shane Watson in this year’s Caribbean Premier League, said:
“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,” he said. “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.”
McClenaghan’s addition, meanwhile, will bolster the Thunder attack which already boasts of Australia speedster Pat Cummins, Clint McKay, Gurinder Sandhu, spinner Fawad Ahmed and Watson.
Michael Hussey, Thunder’s director of cricket, welcomed the New Zealand star and said the addition would bring experience for the Sydney-based outfit.
“The club identified the need for a frontline bowler as a top priority for the season,” he said. “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,” added the former Australia bowler.
Current Sydney Thunder squad:
Aiden Blizzard, Pat Cummins, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Clint McKay, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Rohrer, Shane Watson, Mitchell McClenaghan