Sport columnist SIMON ANDERSON weighs in this week with news from the Big Bash League inaugural draft and Sydney Thunder’s coup in recruiting batting star David Warner. 

FOR the first time since the Big Bash was established the competition’s eight clubs gathered last week to take part in the inaugural draft.

Hundreds of players from across the globe nominated for a chance to be selected to play in the upcoming competition.

With no previous draft results to reference, head of Sydney Thunder Andrew Gilchrist told “CityNews” his club had to put together a thorough plan.

“We had three players pegged pretty much from the start, but we did have a contingency, and then a contingency for the contingency,” said Gilchrist.

“We had our planning done well before we walked into the room, but it was good to know that whatever happened in that first round we knew we would walk away with some world-class talent.”

Canberra cricket fans will get the first chance to see the draftees in action when the Sydney Thunder returns to its home away from home, Manuka Oval, to take on the Melbourne Stars in the season opener on December 13.

Englishmen Alex Hales, David Willey and South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw will be on deck for the Thunder in the Canberra opener, while for the Stars NZ quick Trent Boult will join England duo Joe Clarke and Luke Wood representing Melbourne.

The Thunder trio provide no shortage of experience, with all three previously representing their countries in various formats of the game. 

While many fans were disappointed not to see high-profile names such as former South African Faf du Plessis or the explosive West Indian Andre Russell selected, many clubs opted for players who would be available for more of the season rather than those ducking in and out of the country for a cameo.

“We value having players that are there for the duration of the tournament and that could play a role that we needed in the team,” said Gilchrist.

“Alex Hales has opened the batting for us for a number of years. 

“With Sam Billings availability potentially limited, we looked to add another batter into that middle order with Rilee Rossouw and then the all-rounder David Willey will be an excellent addition to the team.”

Despite all the big international names signing with the Thunder after the draft, the most impressive name to be added to the roster for the upcoming season is a home-grown talent.

Australian opening batsman David Warner has signed with the Thunder on a two-year deal, nearly a decade after last playing in the Big Bash. 

It is a major coup for the club, the competition and Cricket Australia as Warner is believed to have turned down lucrative offers from other T20 competitions abroad to play the entire summer in Australia.

Following the conclusion of the Sydney test match in January, Warner will link up with the Thunder for the remainder of the Big Bash season.

The club’s boss has confirmed that he will be available for their second match in Canberra against the Melbourne Renegades on January 19.

“Once the test series is done, we’ll have Dave,” said Gilchrist.

“It is no secret we want the best players playing for the Sydney Thunder and if you are looking for the best T20 player in the world, it is tough to go past Dave Warner.

“He has played for us previously and said himself he is looking forward to playing for the Thunder and being part of our set up.

“He brings so much experience and he’ll bring so much of that team spirit to our group – the boys are really looking forward to having him.
“I am glad the deal got done and that he’ll be in green this summer.”

Warner’s return to the club comes at a convenient time, as he will slot in at the top of the order replacing Alex Hales. 

The pair are both famous for their exciting power hitting against the new ball, with Hales known for sending the white kookaburra over the Manuka Oval grandstand on more than one occasion.

“Unfortunately Hales has to depart mid-January but he’ll be replaced by another quality opening batter in Warner,” said Gilchrist

“As far as opening stocks go, we are looking really good for this summer.

“If I was a fan in the stands at Manuka Oval, I would be keeping an eye on the ball because the way the wicket plays and the way that the Thunder plays their cricket, I am sure there will be plenty of action from Dave Warner, Alex Hales and the rest of the squad.”