Root and Buttler agree Big Bash deals with Sydney Thunder

The England Test captain and vice-captain have signed up for stints with the franchise which will make them available for half of the campaign

^{Jos Buttler has agreed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder}

Joe Root and Jos Buttler have signed up for a stint in this year's Big Bash with Sydney Thunder.

The England Test captain and vice-captain have agreed deals with the franchise which will make them available for half of the campaign.

Buttler returns to the side whom he represented on six occasions in 2017-18 and has penned a two-year contract, while Root will be making his first appearance in an overseas T20 competition.

The Yorkshireman said: "Everyone you speak to that has played in the Big Bash finds it a really interesting tournament and watching it you can see that.

^{Joe Root will be making his first appearance in an overseas T20 competition}

"You want to be involved in it and I’m really excited to get that opportunity with Sydney Thunder.

"I’ve had some really good experiences with Shane Bond in the past when I’ve worked with him and I’m really looking forward to doing that again."

Buttler, who took the Indian Premier League by storm during its most recent iteration, said: "I loved my time there, there’s a great atmosphere in the group.

"There’s a lot of young guys but some experience in there as well, including Shane Watson who I really got to enjoy getting to know and playing under his captaincy.

"It’s a great part of the world and a really fun dressing room. I’m delighted to be back with the Thunder Nation."

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