Englishman keen to push for a BBL title after missing out last season but his availability will depend on England selection
“I think the most exciting thing about coming back to the Thunder is the group of young players that complement the older, experienced heads,” Billings said. “Hales is obviously a high-quality player and we have all seen what he can do.
“In my first experiences with Sydney Thunder last season there were obviously positive signs but we didn’t finish where we wanted to, or could finish. There is no reason we can’t take another step forward and go close to the title.”
Billings’ availability for Thunder will likely be dictated by his England duties. Although he is yet to play a Test match he has been called into England’s Test squad this summer and with England set to bring an extended squad to Australia for the Ashes and coinciding England Lions fixture he could well be unavailable until late in the BBL season. England also have a one-day series against West Indies in late January.
Alex Malcolm is an Associate Editor at ESPNcricinfo