Blake Nikitaras [Source: Twitter]
Ahead of the start of the much-awaited Big Bash League 2022-23, the Sydney Thunder have signed youngster Blake Nikitaras for the upcoming season. Nikitaras, 22, is a promising batter from Wollongong, who plays for New South Wales.
Nikitaras has scored 257 runs in five First-Class matches for NSW and has been on the Thunder's radar for the past few years. Interestingly, his father Steve Nikitaras also represented NSW apart from Western Australia and Greece.
In a club statement, Nikitaras sounded elated to join Thunder's camp.
"I rate this alongside being selected to play for NSW last year. Sydney Thunder is an elite team, and I am proud to be here. It means the world to me to be a part of a great club, and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to learn from the great players in the squad."
Coach Trevor Bayliss also labeled the young star as a promising talent.
"From a batting point of view Blake looks like a big, strong kid who hits the ball hard. He’s a natural stroke player, but he’ll get only stronger, and he’ll only get better."
Captained by Jason Sangha, the Thunder begin their BBL 12 campaign against the Melbourne Stars on Tuesday.
Also Read: Steve Smith returns to Big Bash League 12 for a massive $250K deal
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