West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell to return to Big Bash League winners Sydney Thunder

TAKE the $1.05 that West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell will be back next summer with Big Bash League winners the Sydney Thunder.

TAKE the $1.05 that West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell will be back next summer with Big Bash League winners the Sydney Thunder.

The man better known as Dre Russ played a huge role in helping the competition’s whipping boys go from chumps to champs. And Thunder management have wasted no time making sure he returns to the western suburbs.

Russell was in action overnight for the Windies in their semi-final clash against hosts India at the World Twenty20.

West Indies bowler Andre Russell will be back for the Thunder.

Shane Watson, who has retired from international cricket, will also be back for the Thunder, and likely as skipper.

Watto inked a three-year deal with the franchise, and still has two years to run.

Michael Clarke is one bloke the Thunder are NOT interested in. Keen for an international batsman, the Thunder would prefer someone younger and a little cheaper than Pup.

Meanwhile, Aussie skipper Steve Smith is in with a decent shot to walk away with the Steve Waugh Medal tonight after he featured for the Blues in the Matador Cup at the start of the summer. Mitchell Starc is in the same boat.

Doug Bollinger and Nic Maddinson are also hot contenders for the state’s top cricket gong.

Michael Bevan, Alan Kippax and Belinda Haggett will be inducted into the Cricket NSW Hall of Fame.

Andre Russell during his latest stint with Sydney Thunder. Picture: Jonathan Ng

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Originally published as West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell to return to Big Bash League winners Sydney Thunder