Former Australian test opener Cameron Bancroft will reunite with David Warner at Sydney Thunder after departing Perth Scorchers for a lucrative three-year deal.
The 30-year-old, who starred in the Scorchers’ championship season after missing selection for the opening five games due to their stacked batting line-up, will head east after eight years at the dominant franchise.
His departure comes following the exit of leg-spinner Peter Hatzoglou, who signed for the Hobart Hurricanes on Monday, as the Scorchers struggle to retain players due to the quality of their squad.
Bancroft is poised to play with Warner for the first time since the 2019 Ashes, with his move suggesting any wounds between the pair have healed after their involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
The pair could open the batting together in the second half of the season after Warner earlier this month outlined his plan to retire from Test cricket after the New Year’s Test at the SCG.
Sydney Thunder boss Adam Gilchrist said Bancroft’s T20 form last season, in which he hammered 357 runs at an average of 51, had made him an irresistible target.
“We’re obviously delighted to have secured Cam and have him as a part of our group for the next three years,” Gilchrist said.
“His talent and ability to contribute on field is evident, but he’s also a fantastic person and we know the value he’ll add to our group off field.
“His experience at the top of the order will be immense for us and his form, particularly in the second half of last season, made him one of the competition’s biggest targets this off-season.”
The Scorchers have secured the services of five centrally contracted players for the upcoming BBL season, with Cameron Green the only remaining player from their championship-winning squad who is unsigned.