Joe Root and Jos Buttler have signed up with Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League 2018-19 season. While this will be the England Test skipper’s first stint in the Australian domestic T20 league, Buttler will continue his association with the 2015-16 champions after representing them last season.

The duo is set to play in the first half of the season, which will include four home games. Their opening game in the tournament will be against Melbourne Stars on December 21.

Sydney Thunder is the first T20 franchise that Root will represent outside England.

Buttler, on the other hand, is a renowned limited-overs cricketer who has played and thrived in multiple domestic T20 leagues across the globe.

Now that he has been drafted into the Thunder set up, the Yorkshire batsman will look to rack up impressive numbers so as to make his case for the England squad in ICC World T20 in 2020.

“I want to gain as much experience as possible in T20 cricket. It’s one of those tournaments where you want to be involved in it and I’m really excited to get that opportunity now with Sydney,” said Root.

“I’m sure there will be some mixed emotions for the fans, but … hopefully, I can win them over through the time there. There’s an opportunity for myself now to put in some strong performances and help Sydney Thunder go on and do some special things this year.”

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AustraliaEngland Joe RootJos ButtlerGlobal T20 Leagues