SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 21: Eoin Morgan of the Thunder looks on during the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat at ANZ Stadium on December 21, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
England captain Eoin Morgan will return to Sydney for the first half of BBL06 as he lines up for his third stint at the Sydney Thunder.
Morgan heads back to the reigning champions having previously featured in eight games for the Thunder, scoring 159 runs.
“I’m delighted to be back at Sydney Thunder, particularly after the success they had last year, it’s great to be back and wearing the green shirt,” he said.
“Watching from afar the progress of the side last year was awesome and I was delighted for everybody at the club.”
Since making his debut in the league during BBL03, Morgan has been impressed with how far the league has come in such a short period of time.
“It’s gotten bigger every year and the product now puts it right up there with the IPL in India,” he added.
“It’s a fantastic tournament to play in, it attracts the wider public and not just a cricket following and more importantly it attracts families to it.
“Cricket Australia have done a great job growing the game through the vehicle that is the Big Bash.”
Sydney Thunder director of cricket Mike Hussey is thrilled with Morgan's resigning, and believes that he will be the best player to fill the void he left at the Thunder following his retirement.
“Eoin is one of the most respective players in world cricket,” Hussey said.
“He is a very destructive batsman capable of incredible T20 performances who has a wealth of experience playing at the very highest level.
“As an international captain, Eoin also brings key leadership qualities that will assist Shane and the the team."
Morgan is set to play the first five matches of BBL06 for the Thunder before he joins up with the England side for their ODI and T20 series in India.
Thunder BBL|06 Squad: Shane Watson (c), Fawad Ahmed, Aiden Blizzard, Pat Cummins, Jake Doran, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Usman Khawaja, Eoin Morgan, Nathan McAndrew, Alister McDermott, Clint McKay, Arjun Nair, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Rohrer, Andre Russell, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha (Community Rookie).