Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder sign overseas stars
The Sydney Sixers have secured the services of one of England’s World Cup-winning ice men as they build their squad for a tilt at the Big Bash title.
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Sydney Sixers may have all bases covered should they get to a super over in the Big Bash League final, after signing one of England’s World Cup heroes.
James Vince wasn’t named for the final at Lord’s earlier this year but was out there for the nerve-racking final overs –including the super over – against New Zealand as a fielder.
Vince has quite a pedigree in tight finishes, having also ended up on the right side of two tied finals for Hampshire in the English domestic competition.
The 28-year-old has fallen in love with Sydney since first representing the Thunder and last year playing a part in the Sixers campaign.
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Vince is currently out of the Test picture having been overlooked for the Ashes and is set to play an entire BBL season for the Sixers.
“I was really keen to get another go at it and thankfully I’ve got that opportunity. I’m really looking forward to it,” said Vince.
“I feel like we have a really decent squad. Well balanced team and one that’s capable of winning it. It’ll be nice to spend the whole competition in Sydney and I think that will be beneficial for me and help me perform to the best of my ability.”
When New Zealand’s Martin Guptill faced up to the last ball of the Jofra Archer super over needing two runs to hand the Black Caps a historic triumph – Vince was fielding at long off expecting the ball to come to him.
It didn’t, but he sprinted into cover an overthrow at the bowlers’ end – before euphoria broke out when the run-out was effected to end the game.
“It all went a bit mental. Everyone was running in every direction for a few minutes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Thunder have also secured the services of an overseas star with South African all-rounder Chris Morris putting pen to paper.
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Morris has played all three formats for the Proteas and says he’s long craved the chance to play in the BBL.
The Thunder have a rich history with South African players having boasted Jacques Kallis in their side a few years ago.
“It’s one of the tournaments any cricketer would want to play in,” said Morris.
“It was part of my cricketing career bucket list.
“It was a no-brainer when the Sydney Thunder came calling.”