Prolific white-ball bowler Henry Thornton has signed a new two-year contract with the Adelaide Strikers, following a strong performance at the end of last season.
Thornton, known for his remarkable 5-3 spell that helped the Strikers bowl out Sydney Thunder for a record-low 15 in 2022, is set to lead the Strikers' attack. He played a pivotal role in the team's KFC BBL|13 finals run, having been recalled halfway through the season.
The 27-year-old fast bowler rejoined the Strikers lineup on January 3 against Perth Scorchers and played the final seven games of the season, taking seven wickets and leading the pace attack with English recruits Jamie Overton and David Payne.
Adelaide Strikers BBL|14 squad so far: James Bazley, Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Brendan Doggett, Alex Ross, D'Arcy Short, Matt Short, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald
The Strikers, who are currently without a head coach following Jason Gillespie's resignation, made a remarkable comeback from last place to qualify for the BBL|13 finals with five consecutive victories. However, their campaign ended with a 54-run loss to Brisbane Heat in the Challenger final.
Since joining the Strikers ahead of BBL|11, Thornton has played 23 matches over three seasons, taking 36 wickets at an average of 18.63. His re-signing follows the trade of Wes Agar, his partner in the record-setting game against the Thunder, to the Western Sydney club in exchange for a swap of second-round draft picks.
The Strikers will have picks 5, 11, 20, and 29 in the September BBL|14 Draft, having improved their second-round position by two spots through the Agar trade.
Additionally, the Strikers retain the rights to Rashid Khan, Jamie Overton, David Payne, Adam Hose, and Colin de Grandhomme if they enter the draft. They also have the option to sign one international player to a multi-year deal before the BBL|14 Draft under the league's new contracting rules for overseas players.