Test skipper Pat Cummins could make a cameo in this season’s BBL after the Aussie star signed with the Sydney Thunder as a marquee supplementary player.
Cummins hasn’t featured in the BBL since his lone appearance in the 2018/19 season but could make his long-awaited return once his Ashes commitments are over.
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Australia’s series against England finishes on January 8 in Sydney, with Cummins’ next assignment the T20 World Cup which begins the following month.
Time in the middle would be a bonus given he hasn’t played since July due to a back injury.
The Thunder have matches on January 10, 12 and 16 which means the fast bowler could return for their charge to the finals.
The contract means he sits outside the 18-man squad, but he could come in if he’s available. Fellow Test quick Mitchell Starc has signed a similar deal with the Sydney Sixers.
“It means a lot to me that I am locked in with Thunder having grown up in Western Sydney,” Cummins said ahead of the third Test in Adelaide.
“I’ll obviously have limited time on the ground with the team while we try and win the Ashes but I’m looking forward to supporting the playing group in what is no doubt an exciting summer.
“You can already see the winning mentality that Davey Warner is building with the team. We almost got there last year and I’m confident we can go one further this year – we have the experience and the young talent to do so.
“A big thank you to our Thunder Nation for your continued support – I can’t wait to see you out at a game during the season.”
Cummins has taken 17 wickets in 16 matches in the lime green jersey and would be a huge addition to a team that lost Indian legend Ravi Ashwin to injury on the eve of the tournament.
“We’re very lucky to have Pat on board once again this season. Not every team can say they have the support of Australia’s captain on their side,” Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said.
“This is about Pat’s ongoing commitment to the club. He has had a terrific impact on the team every year he’s been involved and I’m sure it’ll be the same this time around.
“While his immediate focus is on his return to the massive Ashes series, the door is and always will be open for Pat to play – should all ducks be in a row post-Ashes, and in the lead up to the T20 World Cup.”
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