Dilshan signs with Sydney Thunder

Tillakaratne Dilshan, the Sri Lanka batsman, has signed with Sydney Thunder for the coming season of the Big Bash League. He will miss Thunder's first two matches because of Sri Lanka's ODIs against Pakistan in the UAE until December 27 but will be available thereafter.

''I'm really keen to play in the Big Bash. It's such a wonderful, competitive tournament,'' Dilshan said. ''I've been hoping to play for the past three years but [each time] I've had to go for international duty. This year I'm free to play almost the entire tournament. It's really exciting. I've always enjoyed Australian wickets, with the extra bounce. I'm really eager for this opportunity.''

Dilshan, who had retired from Test cricket in October, said his decision was influenced by his relationship with the Thunder coach, former Sri Lanka batsman Chandika Hathurusinghe, who had taken over in April after the side finished bottom of the table. Dilshan also said he was looking forward to playing with former Australia batsman Michael Hussey.