Sydney Thunder signs up Athapaththu for Women’s Big Bash League

Chamari Athapaththu

Sydney Thunder look set to take a flexible approach to their international spots this Weber WBBL season, adding Sri Lanka star Chamari Athapaththu to their ranks as a fourth overseas player.

Opening bat Athapaththu, who has been in outstanding form for her country throughout 2023, comes on board as a replacement player, adding the option of top-order firepower alongside the Thunder’s three draft selections – England Captain Heather Knight, fast bowler Lauren Bell and South African allrounder Marizanne Kapp.

Each WBBL club can only have three overseas players on their 15-player primary list or in an XI.

But clubs can sign up to three additional international replacement players, who can then be rotated into the squad with approval from the WBBL Technical Committee.

These additional players are often used to cover for absences due to injury or international commitments – as seen with Brisbane Heat, who have signed England spinner Sarah Glenn for the start of WBBL|09 to cover the late arrival of New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr.

But with the Thunder expecting each of Knight (who will captain this season), Bell and Kapp to be available for the entirety of WBBL|09, Athapaththu’s signing adds flexibility.

“Australia is where I’ve scored most of my international T20 runs away from home, including a century at North Sydney Oval,” Athapaththu said.

“I appreciate all of the support so far and look forward to being in front of the fans, I plan to bring a Thunder-storm to the WBBL this summer.”

Athapaththu first played in the WBBL in 2017 with Melbourne Renegades before switching allegiances in WBBL|07 to Perth Scorchers.

She currently sits eighth in the ICC’s T20I batting and all-rounder categories.

The Thunder confirmed their final local list spot on Tuesday, with left-arm spinner Sam Bates to continue her association with the club having penned a new two-year deal. – (cricket.com.au)