Sydney Thunder have signed South Africa bowling allrounder Chris Morris for BBL09 while England batsman James Vince has re-signed for with Sydney Sixers.
Sydney Thunder coach Shane Bond was delighted to secure Morris for the BBL. He has extensive T20 experience globally and has been a valuable commodity in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and, most recently, Delhi Capitals. Bond has watched Morris closely whilst serving as Mumbai Indians bowling coach over recent seasons.
“Chris is someone who I had my eye on,” Bond said. “It’s always great to have a player who can change the game with bat and ball. He’s an experienced, hardened cricketer who bowls 90mph and smacks it with the bat. Those players are very rare, so he brings a unique skill set.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming his personality and competitiveness to the team as well.”
Morris will join the Thunder after his commitments with Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in the Mzansi Super League in South Africa end. The MSL final is set for December 16, and the Thunder play the opening game of the BBL on December 17 in Brisbane. Morris’ early availability will be tested further given the Thunder play three matches in the first five days of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Vince returns to Sydney Sixers after playing eight matches last season coming in as a replacement for countryman Joe Denly. Vince will return to Sydney alongside another Englishman Tom Curran as the Sixers’ two overseas players.
Vince was instrumental in helping the Sixers to the semi-final, making 75 off 46 balls against Brisbane Heat and then 74 not out from 50 balls in a record-breaking partnership with Josh Philippe to beat competition leaders Hobart Hurricanes.
“James made a huge impression within our group through his consistent performance in the vital No.3 position that assisted the team reaching the semi-finals,” Sixers coach Greg Shipperd said. “As captain of his county Hampshire, and an England player, he brings great knowledge, leadership and calm to our group.
“He is one of the sweetest strikers of the ball in the world, with a rare purity of strokes on both sides of the wicket making him tough to contain. Who can forget his breathtaking unbeaten partnership with Josh Philippe at the SCG. He will compliment beautifully our opening duo of Philippe and Daniel Hughes.”
Vince is keen to atone for last year’s semi-final loss. “Having lost out in the semis in BBL 08 I’m hoping we can go all the way this time around,” he said. “There is a huge amount of talent in the squad and some great people at the club. I’m looking forward to contributing to what is hopefully going to be a great BBL for the Sixers.”
Source: ESPN Crickinfo