Watson signs for Sydney Thunder

Shane Watson - Cropped

Shane Watson has become the latest big name to sign up for the fifth instalment of the Big Bash League (BBL), putting pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Sydney Thunder.

Following the signatures of Michael Clarke (Melbourne Stars), Kumar Sangakkara (Hobart Hurricanes) and Chris Gayle (Melbourne Renegades), the Thunder have further bolstered the Twenty20 league's strength by signing Watson.

Watson, 33, has played just one game in the BBL's four-season history - for the Brisbane Heat - despite being contracted to both the Heat and Sydney Sixers previously.

There are no guarantees the all-rounder will be available in his first season at ANZ Stadium, with the Thunder indicating Watson could become more prevalent later in his contract.

"We understand he is still very much a part of Australia's plans going forward, and as such we've contracted him in a way that will work for both the club and Shane," Thunder general manager Nick Cummins said in a statement.

"Shane's signing is not just about BBL05, but has been made with a longer-term view in mind."

Watson scored 347 runs at a strike rate of 135 for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League recently, including being one of just four players - along with Gayle, AB de Villiers and Brendon McCullum - to score centuries in the 2015 tournament.

"I'm very excited, the Thunder is putting together a very strong squad, and have some quality players signed on long-term," Watson said in a statement.

"There is the experience of Jacques [Kallis] and Huss [Michael Hussey] as well as some very talented young players.

"They are a club that's growing on and off the field and I'm looking to make sure that growth continues over the next three seasons."

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