Sydney Thunder have added further depth to their pace attack for KFC BBL|15, signing experienced English fast bowler Reece Topley as an International Replacement Player.
Sydney Thunder bolster BBL pace stocks with international quick
Topley will join Thunder for the first half of the season while Kiwi quick Lockie Ferguson captains the Desert Vipers in the ILT20.
Once Ferguson’s commitments conclude, he will return to Thunder, with Topley then departing to take part in the SA20.
The 31-year-old returns to the Big Bash for the first time since BBL|11 where he claimed nine wickets across eight matches for the Melbourne Renegades.
Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said Topley is the ideal replacement for Ferguson.
“Like Ferguson, Reece Topley is a genuine strike bowler who can take wickets with the new ball and at the death,” said Copeland.
“He’s proven himself in high-pressure situations across both T20I and ODI cricket, and his ability to generate bounce and movement makes him a natural fit for the Thunder attack.”
Topley commented on his eagerness to return to the BBL, this time in lime green.
“I’m really looking forward to joining the Thunder and getting stuck into the Big Bash again,” Topley said.
“It’s a competition I’ve loved being part of, and the chance to step in and help the team start the season strongly is something I’m genuinely excited about.
“I enjoy those pressure moments, and I know that’s a big part of what the Thunder expect from me. I’m keen to bring my experience, play my role, and hopefully set things up nicely for when Lockie returns later in the season.”
Topley will be at Drummoyne Oval tonight cheering on the Thunder's WBBL squad in their final home game of the regular season against the Brisbane Heat (7:10pm start).
Sydney Thunder’s BBL|15 campaign starts in Hobart with a grand final re-match against the Hurricanes on December 16, before returning home to ENGIE Stadium for the highly anticipated Sydney Smash on December 20. Click here to grab your tickets!
Sydney Thunder BBL|15 Squad To Date:
Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG) Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Adian O'Connor, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley (ENG), David Warner
Sydney Thunder BBL|15 Home Fixtures (All Times AEDT):
Tuesday, December 20 | v Sydney Sixers | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm
Thursday, December 22 | v Brisbane Heat | Manuka Oval | 7:15pm
Tuesday, December 30 | v Perth Scorchers | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm
Saturday, January 3 | v Hobart Hurricanes | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm
Monday, January 12 | v Melbourne Renegades | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm