Former Mudgee and Gulgong cricketer Rhett Lockyear will play alongside international superstars Chris Gayle and Shahid Afridi in this year’s Twenty20 Big Bash League.
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Playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in 2011, Lockyear has made a move back to his home state and signed with Sydney Thunder for 2012.
He is currently among nine new signings for the Thunder and told The Weekly on Monday that he was excited with how the squad was shaping up.
“I think there is only a couple of major signings left but things are looking pretty good,” he said.
The re-signing of Gayle and new addition Afridi were also announced on Monday.
In 2011 Gayle scored 252 runs at an average of 42 for the Thunder. He also hit the most sixes (22) in the competition.
Afridi played for Melbourne Renegades last year and the leg-spinning all-rounder was ranked among the competition’s top 10 bowlers. He also has a handy batting average of 23.
Lockyear said moving back to NSW after nine years in Tasmania was based around the chance to prove himself as a top T20 player and see more of his family.
“I want to be playing at my best for the six weeks,” he said.
“I have played a lot of T20 Cricket and hopefully I can bring some knowledge to the Thunder.”
The 29-year-old right-hand batsman will add strength to the Thunder’s top and middle order batting lineup.
It would be handy to play in Sydney. I have previously played with St George but obviously there are few Mudgee connections elsewhere I might be making a phone call to.
Although Lockyear said he could see himself playing many roles within the side.
This is a thought echoed by Thunder general manager, John Dyson.
“Rhett can be an explosive batsman, a more than handy off spin bowler, a gun fieldsman and a more than capable wicket keeper. He brings plenty to Thunder,” Dyson said.
“He brings extensive experience and is keen to prove he can consistently perform in T20.
“He gives the selectors so much more scope with his all-round ability.”
Lockyear has played 29 Twenty20 games including three half centuries and a batting average of 17. He is also a handy bowler with an economy rate of 6.75.
The soon-to-be married man said he was still unsure where he would be playing his summer grade cricket.
“It would be handy to play in Sydney. I have previously played with St George but obviously there are few Mudgee connections elsewhere I might be making a phone call to,” Lockyear said.
He made his first-class debut in 2004 and had a moment in the international spotlight during Sri Lanka’s 2007-08 tour.
As a substitute fielder for Australia during the Hobart Test, Lockyear took a catch and completed two run-outs. He has also been a part of Tasmania’s Ford Ranger Cup premiership-winning side.
The Thunder squad currently sits at 14 players with four more players still to make up the final 18-man group which must be completed by November 30.
Thunder coach Shane Duff said he was delighted with the current squad.
“Along with David Warner, Chris Gayle is the best T20 player in the world, and I am sure the fans of Sydney Thunder will be excited to come to ANZ Stadium to watch him play again. For many of the players it will be a unique experience to play in the same team and have the chance to learn from the great man,” Duff said.
Lockyear’s first game with the Thunder is likely to be against cross town rivals the Sydney Sixers on December 8. The Sixers are defending champions.
Current NSW SpeedBlitz Blues contracted player Scott Henry had a stint with Sydney Sixers in 2011 but is not yet signed for the upcoming Big Bash League season.
SYDNEY THUNDER: Scott Coyte, Adam Coyte, Sean Abbott, Luke Doran, Gurinder Sandhu, Mark Cosgrove, Rhett Lockyear, Dirk Nannes, Chris Tremain, Jason Floros, Ryan Carters, Cameron Borgas, Chris Gayle and Shahid Afridi.
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