The Sydney Thunder confirmed a new signing while Usman Qadir was added to their squad for Tuesday’s game against the Brisbane Heat who will be without their all-rounder James Bazley.
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The Sydney Thunder brought in four players to an extended 17-man squad for Tuesday’s clash with the Brisbane Heat at the Sydney Showgrounds.
The Thunder drafted in Pakistani spinner Usman Qadir ($105k BWL), with Fazalhaq Farooqi ($143k BWL) out of the side after his contract was terminated.
Blake Nikitaras ($42k BAT) and Sam Whiteman ($62k BAT) were also added, along with Joel Davies (BAT/BWL) who is a new signing fresh from scoring 458 runs in six games averaging 114.5 at the Under-19 National Championships in Adelaide for NSW Metro.
Head of Thunder Andrew Gilchrist said: “Joel’s performances at the under-19 Championships confirmed he was a phenomenal talent, and through Ollie we know he comes from a good family. We’re thrilled to have him on our roster.”
The Heat made one change to their 13-man squad with Spencer Johnson ($42k BWL) coming in for James Bazley ($147k BAT/BWL) who is out with a “hamstring soreness”.
Thunder: Cutting, J.Davies, O.Davies, Doggett, Gilkes, Gray, Green (c), Hales, Holt, McAndrew, Nikitaras, Ross, Rossouw, Sams, Sandhu, Usman Qadir, Whiteman
Heat: Peirson (c), Bartlett, Billings, Brown, Bryant, Johnson, Kuhnemann, Munro, Neser, Renshaw, Steketee, Swepson, Whiteley
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Marcus Stoinis ($59k BAT/BWL) missed the Melbourne Stars’ Boxing Day game with the Sydney Sixers having been managed to spend time with family over Christmas.
Stars captain Adam Zampa said: “We do travel a lot, it’s a long 14-game season, we want guys coming in fresh. It is about managing bodies, particularly guys like Stoin and Coults who have had issues managing it. That was the thinking behind it.”
Zampa praised Beau Webster ($105k BAT) after his starring display. He said: “Beau has been amazing for us in the first four games. He’s had bad wraps on his play of spin in the past but today he played it really well. His bowling as well, he’s bowling really tough overs for us. He’s been massive.”
Rashid Khan praised Matt Short ($249k BAT/BWL) after his excellent display with the ball against Perth on Boxing Day. Rashid said: “I think he’s a proper off-spinner. He has all the skills. He’s been doing so well over the past two years for us. He can bowl in the power play and give you the break you want. It makes my job a little bit easier.”
