Mitchell McClenaghan made his decision to join the Sydney Thunder while playing in the CPL
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
New Zealand left-arm seamer Mitchell McClenaghan has signed with the Sydney Thunder and will represent them in the 2017/18 Big Bash League (BBL).
McClenaghan recently opted out of his New Zealand contract in order to keep playing in domestic Twenty20 competitions around the world.
The 31-year-old played for the Mumbai Indians, who won this year’s Indian Premier League, and took 19 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.68.
He then represented the St Lucia Stars in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he only claimed four wickets at an average of 53.
However, the Hastings native has already inked a deal with the Durban Qalandars for the inaugural edition of the T20 Global League in South Africa, which he will participate in before flying to Australia for the BBL.
Speaking to cricket.com.au, McClenaghan revealed that he decided to sign for the Thunder while playing alongside Shane Watson in the CPL.
“I spent some time at the St Lucia Stars with Shane Watson and got to know his outlook on the game and hear his passion for Sydney Thunder and the organisation,” McClenaghan said. “I’ve admired watching his career and seeing how it’s progressed. I enjoyed playing alongside him in St Lucia and I think I’ll learn a lot from him during my time with Thunder.
“I grew up in Australia and watched a lot of Aussie cricket and to have the opportunity to play in the Big Bash is something I’m really looking forward to. The Big Bash is a fantastic spectacle, the atmosphere is amazing and skill levels are incredible.”
Michael Hussey, the Thunder’s director of cricket, expressed his delight towards McClenaghan’s decision to join the franchise as finding a pace spearhead had been a “top priority” ahead of the upcoming edition of the tournament.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Mitch in action for Thunder, he’s a bowler with experience playing in high pressured games at both domestic and international level,” Hussey said. “We’ve been monitoring his situation with New Zealand Cricket and are pleased to be able to bring him to the Big Bash for the summer.”