Willey signs for Thunder as Ferguson replacement

1 week ago 2

Former England seamer David Willey has been signed by Sydney Thunder as a replacement for the injured Lockie Ferguson.

New Zealander Ferguson had been expected to join up with Thunder this weekend, after initially being replaced by Reece Topley, but has not recovered sufficiently.

Left-armer Willey, 35, became available after his Dubai Capitals side were knocked out of the International League T20 on Thursday.

He last played in the Big Bash in 2018-19 and has taken 26 wickets in 27 matches for Perth Scorchers.

"His bowling capabilities speak for themselves - being able to deliver tight, deceptive slower balls, yorkers, and cutters under pressure," said Thunder general manager Trent Copeland.

"He also offers a pivotal role in the batting order as a cleaning hitting left-hander who can contribute valuable quickfire runs.

"He is the type of player that we need to help turn our season around."

Willey will join up in time for Thunder's game against Adelaide Strikers on 6 January and will be available for their following two games.

Thunder are currently bottom of the table, with one win in their opening five games.

Ferguson joins Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi (Brisbane Heat) and Australia's Tim David (Hobart Hurricanes) in being ruled out of the tournament with injury.