Cummins officially signs with Sydney Thunder—but will he play?

Peter Maniaty

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Cummins officially signs with Sydney Thunder—but will he play? image

There’s big news out of western Sydney today, but it comes with a big asterisk.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has officially signed a contract with the Sydney Thunder as a marquee supplementary player for the current Big Bash season.

While sitting outside the core 18-player Thunder squad, it means Cummins could be drafted into the lime green at some stage of the BBL season which runs until January 25.

Of course, as is the case with Australian teammate Mitchell Starc who is on a similar contract with the Sydney Sixers, Cummins’ availability depends heavily on his international schedule.

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Based on recent seasons, Thunder fans shouldn’t be getting too excited just yet.

While Cummins has been aligned with the Thunder since 2014/15—and has proven himself to be a bonafide T20 match-winner as captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the lucrative Indian Premier League—he’s played just 16 matches for the BBL franchise in that time and hasn’t featured for seven years, his most recent appearance coming in the 2018/19 season when he played a single match.

Given ongoing injury struggles saw Cummins ruled out of the opening two Ashes Tests against England, there are no guarantees when—or even if—he will be available after the Ashes Series is completed in early January.

However BBL action could also present an opportunity to find white-ball form and rhythm ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup which begins in Sri Lanka and India on February 7.

Whatever happens, Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland is over the moon about the signing for BBL|15.

“We’re very lucky to have Pat on board once again this season, not every team can say they have the support of Australia’s captain on their side,” Copeland said.

“While his immediate focus is on his return to the massive Ashes series, the door is and always will be open for Pat to play – should all ducks be in a row post-Ashes, and in the lead up to the T20 World Cup.”

Contributing Writer