SYDNEY, Australia, CMC – West Indies star Carlos Brathwaite says he is hoping to make a significant contribution to Sydney Thunder’s fortunes, as the reigning champions attempt to recover from their opening slump and reach the playoffs of the Big Bash League.
The 28-year-old all-rounder arrived here at the weekend to replace injured West Indies teammate, Andre Russell, who has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a serious hamstring injury which he picked up during the week.
Brathwaite, who shot to prominence in the last over of the Twenty20 World Cup final last April when he lashed four consecutive sixes to lift West Indies to a dramatic victory against England, said he was looking forward to the stint with Thunder.
“I can tell you what not to expect – four sixes in a row again. I’ve just come to have fun, do my best for the team,” cautioned Brathwaite.
“If all goes well get some wickets, some catches and some runs and hopefully some victories as well. This is a dream come true. Not only just to play in the Big Bash but I feel like being in Australia, my cricket can actually improve.
“I was in Sydney last year with the West Indies test team, I didn’t get to see much of the city so hopefully this time around I’ll get to see a lot more.”
Thunder made a nightmare start to their title defence, losing their first four games before finally getting their first win three days ago when they pulled off a six-wicket victory over Melbourne Stars.
They lie bottom of the eight-team standings on two points.
Brathwaite is expected to suit up immediately to face Hobart Hurricanes on Sunday night in what is another key game for Thunder.
To reach the playoffs, they will need to win their final three games of the season.