Maddinson eyes comeback with Sydney Thunder in BBL

Nic Maddinson's return to elite cricket could come in the Big Bash after the former Test batter re-signed with the Sydney Thunder.

Thunder announced a new one-season deal for Maddinson on Tuesday, with general manager Trent Copeland backing the 33-year-old to return to the field this summer.

Maddinson last played top-flight cricket in March with New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield, before he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He finished nine weeks of chemotherapy treatment in July, after it was discovered the cancer had spread to his abdominal lymph nodes and lung.

Subsequent scans showed the treatment was successful, with Maddinson back training and playing four games for Eastern Suburbs in Sydney this summer.

"I'm really happy to be staying with Thunder," Maddinson said. "There's been a few setbacks for myself lately, but I've had amazing support from my friends, family and the club.

"Now I'm just keen to lock in, get the season started and hopefully help the boys go one better than last year."

Maddinson played three Tests for Australia in 2016, while the last of his six T20s for his country came in 2018. He began his BBL career with Sydney Sixers, before moving to Victoria and joining Melbourne Stars in 2018-19 and Renegades in 2021-22.

Left-handed Maddinson returned back to NSW last summer, while also signing a deal to play for Thunder. But he was unable to run out for the club, after a hand injury ruled him out of the competition.

"We are pleased to have Maddo re-sign with us at Sydney Thunder," Copeland said. "I know how eager he was to play in front of the Thunder Nation before his injury, and I know that eagerness has doubled since then. We're backing Maddo to make a real impact this season, both at the crease and through his leadership around the team."