Sydney Thunder have signed in-form all-rounder Will Salzmann, with the Western Sydney talent penning a one-year deal for BBL|16.
Born and raised in Camden, the 22-year-old returns to the Thunder squad after previously being listed in BBL|13. Since then, Salzmann has continued to develop his game with New South Wales, producing a string of impressive performances, putting him firmly in contention for his long-awaited Big Bash debut.
Last month, Salzmann delivered a player-of-the-match performance in NSW’s One-Day Cup opener against Queensland, smashing a crucial 70 off 65 balls to help the Blues chase down a mammoth target of 359 and secure a thrilling four-wicket victory.
To celebrate his signing, Salzmann was joined by a group of young cricketers from his junior club, Tahmoor Turtles Cricket Club, at Cricket Central for a special clinic, bringing his cricket journey full circle.
Based in the Macarthur region, the Turtles are a small but passionate club with around 50 junior players and a strong connection to Sydney Thunder, organising an annual bus trip to cheer on the team at a Big Bash match.
Salzmann said: “It’s just such a great feeling to be back. It’s a great energy around.
“It was really encouraging speaking with Freddie [Flintoff, Thunder’s new Head Coach]. I think I sort of spoke to him as I’m a young allrounder that’s keen to learn about the game and all three formats, and he was one of the best to do it, so it’s a big part and it’s just super exciting to sort of have that relationship now.
“I want to be sort of a player that can make a play and a player that can change the game, so it’s been encouraging to get off to a nice start with New South Wales here at the Blues, but I’m just really keen to see what I can bring to Thunder.
“Last few years have been tough and frustrating watching from the sideline and having to go through injuries, I’ve felt like I’m so close but yet so far. I think it’s sort of bittersweet going through that. I just look at the next sort of few months and this tournament coming up and I think the timing’s right, I’m hungry for it now.”
Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said: “Will was a player both Freddie and I were really keen to secure, and we’re delighted to have him on board.
“When we decided to sign Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson instead of an overseas allrounder, that decision was intertwined with the strength of domestic allrounder talent. It’s the area Fred was most passionately wanting to take players under his wing.
“His recent performances are a reflection of the hard work and dedication he’s put in over the past 12 months. He’s been right in the mix of a Big Bash debut for some time now, and we believe he’s never been better placed to take that next step.
“He’s an exciting allrounder who brings plenty of firepower with the bat and genuine pace with the ball. He adds another dimension to an already dynamic squad, and we’re excited to see what he can produce in Thunder green this summer.”
