David Warner signs two-year deal, set for full BBL season with Sydney Thunder

David Warner has signed a new two-year contract with Sydney Thunder, marking his first full-season commitment to the Big Bash League (BBL) after retiring from Test cricket. 

Warner, who previously participated in just eight games for the Thunder over the past two seasons due to international commitments, is now set to play the entire BBL 2024-25 season.

"[There's a] great bunch of people, a great coach and I've always been a part of Thunder," Warner was quoted as saying in a Thunder release. 

"I really liked the environment last year, the group we had brought a lot of energy. This year, I think we can go a couple of steps better," Warner added.

Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland expressed his excitement about Warner’s return, emphasizing the significance of having a player with Warner's experience. 

"Davey is popular wherever he plays, right around the world, particularly in India and I know the South Asian communities in Sydney's west will get right behind him at Thunder," Copeland said. 

"In Davey we get a world class talent with almost 20 years of T20 experience and now that he has retired from international cricket, we can count on his full focus and commitment for the entire tournament, including the finals," he added.

Meanwhile, other Australian Test regulars, including Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Alex Carey, have also secured contracts for the upcoming BBL season but will only be partially available due to their involvement in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and an upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Smith, who has signed a three-year deal with Sydney Sixers, is expected to participate in four games, while Labuschagne and Carey will be available for three matches each. 

Carey, who has been with the Adelaide Strikers for his entire eight-year BBL career, has extended his stay with a new four-year contract. The Strikers will be coached by former Australia Test captain Tim Paine this season.

"Alex brings great experience and strong leadership to our group in addition to his 360-degree batting skills and outstanding glovework," Paine said. 

"A favourite among Strikers fans, he is a proven big-game player and a crucial part of our squad which is keen to hit the ground running in BBL 2024-25," he concluded.