Pat Cummins names as Sydney Thunder marquee Supplementary Player

For the KFC BBL|14 season, Pat Cummins, the captain of the Australia men's team, has once more joined the Sydney Thunder as a CA marquee supplemental player.

The international star is not included in the 18-man playing team as a 19th additional player, although he might be added if he becomes available.

Cummins, who grew up in Western Sydney, will be present during the teams' campaigns and serve as a spokesperson for the Thunder Nation throughout the summer, even though it is unlikely that we will see him play on the pitch because of international obligations. 

He is well-known for being the successful captain of the Australia Men's team, but he is also a successful Thunder player who was a member of the BBL|05 winning team. He had a contract with the team from 2005 to BBL|09, which was his final season in the league before he started playing for his country.

Taking 2 for 21 against the Brisbane Heat in 2014 to lead Thunder to a 56-run triumph stands out as one of his most remarkable efforts with the ball in hand. Not to mention being at the non-strikers' end when former England player Eoin Morgan defeated the Melbourne Stars in the BBL|06 with a six on the final ball. 

"As a Western Sydney guy at heart, I'm really proud to be a part of the team this summer," Cummins stated in reference to the forthcoming season. I'm thrilled to have a voice and support the boys throughout the season, even though my international responsibilities prevent me from being around as much as I'd like.

"Having a talent like Sam Billings return is amazing. We have a profound connection to Western Sydney because I played with him for the first time in Penrith. He makes a fantastic complement to the team.

For us, having Davey Warner committed for an entire season is crucial. With so many leaders stepping up to support the gifted young players, it's wonderful to see the team's balance.

"This team is starting to take shape, and the Big Bash cricket season is going to be incredible." I want to express my gratitude to our supporters and hope to see you at a game this season.

Trent Copeland, general manager of the Sydney Thunder, stated: "We are extremely fortunate to have Pat on board." He brings with him a plethora of expertise and knowledge, making him a true great of the game.

"Even from a distance, I'm sure it will be the same this time around. He has had a fantastic impact on the team every year he's been involved." 

Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins have been added to the BBL|14 supplemental lists.

Australia's 'big three' fast bowlers will all be on extended lists for the KFC BBL|14, which might lead to a comeback in the local T20 league.

Test skipper Pat Cummins will once more be on the Sydney Thunder's auxiliary list, while Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have both signed with the Sydney Sixers under the league's marquee extra player clause.

The marquee supplementary list, which was introduced before the previous season, is a contracting mechanism that makes it easier for Big Bash clubs to add a centrally contracted Australian player to their squad in the event that circumstances change, even though it is still unlikely that the three will play at all in BBL|14 given their heavy international workload.

"Any chance we have to interact with Mitch and Josh throughout the season is beneficial for our team and our supporters, as they are both founding members of our team and have been with the Sixers for a long time," Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes stated.

"Having both of the guys participate in any way will always benefit our team because they have excellent relationships with both coach Greg Shipperd and the playing group."

Squad for the Sydney Thunder BBL|14

Coach in charge: Trevor Bayliss 

Playing Squad: Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (INT), Pat Cummins (Marquee Supplementary Player), Oliver Davies, Lockie Ferguson (INT), Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Sherfane Rutherford (INT), William Salzmann, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner