Thunder sign replacement imports

Sydney Thunder have signed England fast bowler Chris Jordan and Kiwi big hitter Anton Devcich as replacements for star England duo Jos Buttler and Joe Root in the second half of this season.

Buttler and Root will depart halfway through BBL|08 for England’s tour of the Caribbean, but the Thunder will be boosted by the inclusions of Jordan and Devcich in January.

A powerful left-handed batsman, Devcich hasn’t represented his country in more than two years but has developed into a T20 gun for hire around the world, this year playing in the Pakistan Super League, the Global T20 Canada League as well as the Caribbean and Afghanistan Premier Leagues.

Jordan, the former Adelaide Strikers quick who has played 74 matches for England across all formats, is an allrounder in every sense; a nippy right-armer bowler and handy lower-order batsman, he’s also one of the best fielders in the game, capable of producing something special in close and in the deep.

“CJ is not just a great bowler but a great bloke as well, he’s someone I’ve been keen to sign for some time,” said new Thunder coach Shane Bond.

“He is someone always spoken of highly wherever you go in the world. He’s also a top fielder who can give it a whack at the end of the innings. I’m really excited to see what he can do.

“Anton has been one of the top batsmen in New Zealand for a number of years and he’s had really good year playing T20 cricket all over the world. He can bat anywhere in the top five and can bowl some left arm spin as well.”

England’s star-wicketkeeper batsman Buttler will return to the Thunder this year having signed a two-year deal following his six-game stint last season. The damaging right-hander made his Test debut this year and has quickly established himself as a key player for England in red-ball cricket, making him – like Root - an all-format player who will be key to their success in the Caribbean.

England’s tour of the West Indies begins with a tour match in Barbados on January 15, meaning Buttler and Root should be available for the Thunder’s first seven matches; home games against Melbourne Stars (in Canberra), Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat and away matches against Hobart Hurricanes, Adelaide Strikers and the Stars.

Jordan and Devcich will be available for the Thunder’s final seven preliminary games, starting with their match against the Strikers on January 13, as well as the finals.