Sam Billings re-signs with Sydney Thunder for BBL 11

England wicket-keeper batsman Sam Billings, who represented Sydney Thunder in 11 matches in the 2020/21 Big Bash League (BBL) season, has re-signed with the Thunder for BBL 11 and will be joining his national teammate Alex Hales at the Sydney-based franchise. 

Billings had an underwhelming campaign for The Oval Invincibles in the inaugural season of The Hundred, but the 30-year-old was a vital cog in the Thunder’s middle-order last season, where he struck 260 runs at a healthy strike rate of 142.85. 

Now set to work under Trevor Bayliss, Billings said that he is keen to not just mentor younger players but to help the Thunder win their first BBL title in 5 years.

"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, last season, played under the leadership of Callum Ferguson, but this time around the 30-year-old will be led by Usman Khawaja, who last week was appointed skipper for the forthcoming season. Billings might, however, miss parts of the BBL season should he, by chance, be included in England’s Ashes squad.