Joe Root Set For Big Bash League Stint With Sydney Thunder

In yet another attempt to bring his T20 career back on track, England Test captain has decided to play in the Big Bash League. The right-handed batsman would play for Sydney Thunder in the upcoming season after signing the deal.

Root’s busy international schedule has not allowed him to play T20I cricket as much as he would have wanted. Despite being the batting mainstay of England’s Test and ODI teams, he has played just 11 T20s since England reached the World T20 final in 2016. Things worsened last week when he was dropped from England’s side for the series decider against India in Bristol.

That Root is desperate to get adequate T20 exposure is very much clear now. Earlier this year, he had skipped the T20I tri-series against Australia and New Zealand in order to remain fresh for the Indian Premier League. However, he surprisingly went unsold in the auction.

Well, he will have a chance to bring his T20 career back on track this winter. England’s schedule this winter allows Root and other England players to play in Australia. England’s tour to Sri Lanka ends on November 27 while they don’t have any assignment in December. The tour of West Indies is unlikely to start before the beginning of January.

Meanwhile, the schedule for the Big Bash League will be announced next week. The tournament is likely to get underway from the third week of December. As a result, Root would be able to play between five and eight matches. Sydney Thunder are expected to announce Root’s signings next month.

Earlier this week, Root had said he has no fears that his career in the T20 format could be over.

“I’m fully confident in the ability I have in that format,” Root had said. “I’ve proven in the past that I can perform in T20 cricket. I don’t see it as a closed door for me at all. I’ve got to make sure I keep putting the work in and those limited opportunities I do get, keep trying to perform, keep my name as current as I can in that format.

“I don’t have any fears about it. I want to see us being as complete a side as possible in all three competitions, but I want to be a part of them,” he had added.