Sydney: England batsman Alex Hales has signed a one-year deal with Syndey Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League. Hales joins South African all-rounder Chris Morris as the club’s two overseas players, with Jos Buttler unavailable for this season due to England’s tour of South Africa.
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I really can’t wait to return to the Big Bash,” said Hales.
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“Sydney Thunder is the full package. Sydney is one of the best cities in the world, getting the chance to work with Shane Bond – who is a highly respected coach – and it’s a young club, so hopefully I can be part of building a successful family there.
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“As an opener you want to be one of the leading run-scorers, so that’s definitely one of my aims,” he added.
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The 30-year-old has played 11 Tests, 70 ODIs and 60 T20Is for England.
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Sydney Thunder head coach Shane Bond cited Hales’ extensive T20 experience as one of the reasons he wanted the Englishman in this year’s squad.
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“He’s one of the best T20 batters in the world. To have someone of his quality available for the whole tournament for us is a great pick up,” Bond said.
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“I spent a little bit of time with him at the Mumbai Indians and came up against him when I coached New Zealand and he smacked us a number of times.
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“He’s one of the most destructive batters, is an outstanding fielder and is also obviously a highly experienced player.
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Sydney Thunder will open their ninth BBL campaign against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on December 17, before playing their first game in Sydney on January 2.
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