Cameron Bancroft, mate, he’s confirmed he’s jumpin’ ship from the Perth Scorchers to the Sydney Thunder, signin’ a ripper three-year deal. He’ll be sportin’ the green jersey all the way till the end of BBL|16.
Bancroft’s been a bloody crucial part of the Scorchers’ battin’ lineup, knockin’ an average of 33.93 runs and holdin’ his ground as the third-highest run scorer for Perth. The bloke had a blinder in BBL|12, leadin’ the Scorchers to victory over the Brisbane Heat and notchin’ an average of 51 runs with a strike rate of 140.
This move comes with the new rules from Cricket Australia for next season. Clubs can have at least six “marquee” players in their squads who can be paid over 200 grand. That’s bumped up the payment pools by a cool 1.1 million to 3 million bucks. So, the Scorchers were strugglin’ to find enough dosh for Bancroft.
The head of the Sydney Thunder, Andrew Gilchrist, had a yarn with the Sydney Thunder Media on Tuesday, and he’s chuffed about signin’ Bancroft.
“We’re stoked to have snagged Cam and have him on board for the next three years. His skills and contribution on the field are clear as day, but he’s also a top bloke, and we reckon he’ll be a real asset to our team off the field,” he said.
“His experience at the top of the order will be huge for us, and his form, especially in the second half of last season, made him one of the most sought-after players this off-season.
“We couldn’t be happier to have him join the Thunder Nation.”
Now that Bancroft’s joined forces with the Thunder, will he and David Warner snatch the Thunder’s second title in seven years? Only time will tell, cobber!
