Kiwi quick commits to Thunder for entire BBL|16 campaign

Sydney Thunder has re-signed Kiwi speedster Lockie Ferguson, committing to a full BBL|16 season in Western Sydney including Finals.

Ferguson’s signature is major coup for the Thunder, staving off interest from rival clubs and leagues to land one of the world’s premier T20 quicks.

The New Zealand star is recognised among the best T20 bowlers in the world, having enjoyed a successful career for his country and franchise cricket including the BBL, IPL and The Hundred.

Ferguson impressed in lime green during BBL|14, claiming eight wickets at an average of 21.50 in six games to propel the Thunder into a Finals campaign.

The 35-year-old missed last season after picking up a calf strain but was determined to return this summer and make Thunder his BBL home.

He showed he remains at the top of his game during New Zealand’s five-match T20I series earlier this year against South Africa. He returned figures of 3/16 in game two, before earning Player of the Match honors in game three after conceding just nine runs and taking a wicket.

Ferguson said: “I was gutted not to make it there last year, but I’m really stoked to be back with the Thunder.

“The crazy thing about these tournaments is that you don’t know how it’s going to go, you obviously have a different team sometimes, different personal, different coaching staff. But one thing I really noticed in my first year at the Thunder is how quickly the group came together.

“My chats with the team and staff so far, you can see a lot of care and when there’s that kind of care for the playing group and their success, I think it bands the group together.

“Pretty epic to have someone of Freddie’s caliber coaching the Thunder this year. I’ve been a huge fan of him, he was an idol of mine growing up.

“From a culture point of view there’s not much better than Freddie. I’m certainly looking forward to getting to pick his brain around bowling and performing at the top.”

Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said: “We really missed Lockie last season. He played a key role in us being able to make it to the Final in BBL|14, not just with the ball in hand but he is one of the great human beings.

“Having him back, importantly for the full season start-to-finish including finals, immediately shifts our bowling group to one that will be feared, and puts us up there as a real title contender.

“He is a world-class fast bowler who can take wickets in all phases and adds an incredible layer of calmness and insight for the whole bowling group. Lockie’s said no to multiple competitions in our tournament window and over half of the other BBL clubs because of his desire to come back to the Thunder this year.

“One thing I know he’s especially excited for is to play under Freddie Flintoff who will no doubt elevate his impact on the pitch.

“We’re so excited to have Lockie in the lime green once again. Bring on BBL16!”

Sydney Thunder BBL|16 Squad:
Head Coach: Andrew Flintoff
Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG), Chris Green, Lockie Ferguson (NZ) Ryan Hadley, Sam Konstas, Matthew Gilkes, Aidan O’Connor, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner

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