He's back! Cult Hero rejoins Thunder for BBL|15

Called into the Thunder line-up during BBL|14 as an injury replacement player, Andrews quickly became a fan and league favourite. In 10 appearances, he claimed 11 wickets and made 66 runs from four at-bats at an average of 66 and a strike rate of 206.25.

Andrews’ contributions with both bat and ball, at ENGIE Stadium and on the road, earned him a nomination for the Mike Hussey Medal for Sydney Thunder BBL Player of the Year. The left-arm spinner’s popularity amongst the Thunder fanbase was immediate, with some even calling for the construction of a statue outside ENGIE Stadium to honour his contribution to the club. 

Andrews will fly up from his finance job in Adelaide to reunite with the Western Sydney club this summer.

Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said bringing Andrews back was a no brainer, highlighting his strong affinity with the Thunder Nation as one of several reasons behind his return.

“Tom came in last summer and grabbed his opportunity with both hands,” Copeland said.

“His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives us valuable flexibility, and his passion both on and off the field really embodies what we want this team to be about.

“More importantly he’s a great bloke to have around the group. We’re thrilled to know he’ll be back in Thunder colours this summer."

Andrews reflected on his whirlwind re-introduction to the Big Bash last year and his excitement for what’s ahead.

“Last season, it all happened pretty quickly. Copes gave me the call and said, ‘Could you be in Sydney in the next couple of days?’ I had to organise a few things at work, but I was lucky my boss gave me some time off and then there I was playing,” Andrews said.

“I’ve played a little [bit of] Big Bash before (Strikers BBL|06, Renegades BBL|09, Hurricanes BBL|12) so it wasn’t such a shock, which probably helped me settle in better, especially at the start.

“This year, Copes gave me the call again, and I’m very excited to go again. Hopefully, with a bit more time to prepare, I can continue some good form from last season.”

Away from cricket, Andrews is balancing his work and study commitments ahead of another blockbuster summer of cricket in lime green.

“It’s not cricket season at the moment, so I’m just trying to keep my fitness up. I’m working and studying – I have a tax law exam next week, which is a bit funny – but I’m looking forward to getting back into playing and being ready for BBL|15.”

Andrews is eager to build on last year’s success and push for a title.

“Personally, last year was amazing, and for us to make the final was pretty cool, even though we went down. Hopefully, this year we can replicate that form and take it one step further and win the final.”  

Sydney Thunder KFC BBL|15 squad to date: 
Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (INT), Ollie Davies, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner. 

The countdown is on! Sydney Thunder memberships go on sale this Friday, June 20. Fans and members, stay tuned and get ready to lock in your spot for WBBL|11 and BBL|15 at early bird prices.