The Sydney Thunder have continued their much-needed rebuild ahead of this summer’s Big Bash League with the signing of Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan.
The 37-year-old right hander will play six matches for the Thunder, beginning with their third fixture of the series against the Melbourne Stars on New Year’s Day.
Dilshan, who retired from Test cricket last month after 87 appearances, will be reunited with former Sri Lanka international and now Thunder coach Chandika Hathurusinghe.
“Having worked closely with Dilshan during my time with the Sri Lankan squad I was very keen to get him to the Thunder this season,” Hathurusinghe said on Wednesday.
“He is a match-winner with the bat, but will also provide us with another spinning option with the ball as well as being a brilliant fielder.
“He has played at the highest level for a long time and knows how to perform on the big stage and he will a major attraction for Thunder members and fans this summer.”
Dilshan ranks fourth for most career runs in Twenty20 internationals, behind New Zealander Brendon McCullum, compatriot Mahela Jayawardene and Australia’s David Warner.
The Thunder start their campaign with a derby match against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG on December 21.
The Thunder contracted list: Michael Clarke (capt), Mike Hussey, Cameron Borgas, Ryan Carters, Scott Coyte, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Luke Doran, Luke Feldman, Jason Floros, Daniel Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Eoin Morgan, Dirk Nannes, Kurtis Patterson, Gurinder Sandhu, Chris Tremain, David Warner. Rookies: Jake Doran, Jeremy Maher.