Big Bash League (BBL) side Sydney Thunder have included Pakistan's T20I leg-spinner Usman Qadir in their bowling arsenal for the upcoming season. The 29-year-old will provide the Trevor Bayliss-coached Thunder with cover while rising star Tanveer Sangha recovers from the back stress injury that's frustrated the start to his season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Qadir, son of the late Abdul Qadir -- one of world cricket's greatest-ever exponents of leg-spin bowling --, will arrive to the Sydney Showground Stadium boasting an intimate knowledge of Australian playing conditions, said a Thunder statement on Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Besides playing Premier cricket in Sydney and Adelaide, Qadir also represented Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers during the 2018\/19 season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After he declared his desire to represent Australia in the 2020 World T20 Cup, Qadir was selected to play in the Prime Minister's XI which defeated a strong South Africa side in Canberra. He finished the four-wicket victory with an impressive 3-28.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Qadir, who has since represented Pakistan in 23 T20 Internationals after gaining selection in 2019, has forged a reputation for having the ability to take wickets in the middle overs. His effort to take 4-13 against Zimbabwe is seen by many as his crowning performance on the international stage," said the statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sydney Thunder's Andrew Gilchrist said Qadir, who was a reserve for the Pakistan team in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, would provide the team's bowling attack with 'experience' and 'sting'.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Usman joins us with plenty of experience, having represented Pakistan, and playing in T20 leagues around the world," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Importantly, he has first-hand knowledge of Australian conditions, he played for Western Australia and South Australia's Futures League (2012-13), so he knows what to expect."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Usman joins us with plenty of experience, having represented Pakistan, and playing in T20 leagues around the world," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n