Alex Hales returns to Sydney Thunder for BBL 11

The Nottinghamshire and former England opener has scored 1,119 runs over the past two seasons for Sydney Thunder

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Big Bash fixtures 2021-22

Alex Hales will turn out for Sydney Thunder in BBL11 after re-signing for the club.

The Nottinghamshire and former England opener was awarded the golden bat during the 2020-21 edition of the T20 tournament, scoring 543 runs, including one century and three half-centuries, in 15 matches as Sydney Thunder reached the eliminator.  

His strike rate of 161.61 was the fifth-highest in the tournament while he also hit the third-most fours (54) and a competition-leading 30 sixes.

In total, Hales has scored 1,119 runs in two seasons for Sydney Thunder and a career total of 1,474 BBL runs. Luke Wright (1,479 runs) is the only English player to score more runs in the competition than Hales.

"The culture at Sydney Thunder, both on and off the field, is something special and I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of it again," Hales said."Being part of this club means a lot to me, and to our members and fans and you can tell that when you go out to play.

^{Alex Hales celebrates his century against Sydney Sixers}

"Over the last two seasons I have seen first-hand how this franchise is putting together a squad who believes they can win the BBL and that’s the case this summer more than ever."

Hales also heaped praise on teammates Usman Khawaja and Ollie Davies, continuing: "I love batting with Usman, we are different players, but I think we complement each other well. Being a right hand/left hand combination is always an advantage and Usman is a very calm influence under pressure and that’s very important in T20.

"For me though, I am buzzing about the chance to bat with Ollie [Davies]. He is a super talent and there will be no better place to see him grow as a player than at the other end of the pitch."