Maddinson Plots BBL Comeback After Re-signing with Sydney Thunder

Nic Maddinson hopes to return to top-level cricket in the Big Bash League. He has signed a one-year contract with the Sydney Thunder. On Tuesday, the Thunder announced the news, and the general manager, Trent Copeland, said he is fully confident in the 33-year-old's comeback.

Maddinson last played a professional cricket match in March when he represented New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield. Soon after, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

He underwent nine weeks of chemotherapy after the cancer had spread to his abdominal lymph nodes and lungs. Scans carried out in July revealed that the treatment was effective. He has since been rebuilding, sponsoring four games with Eastern Suburbs in Sydney this summer.

"I'm really happy to be staying with Thunder," Maddinson said. "There have been a few setbacks for me 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."

In 2016 and 2018, Maddinson played three Tests and six T20s respectively for Australia. He began his career in the BBL with the Sydney Sixers, after which he transferred to Victoria. In 2018-19 and 2021-22, he played for the Melbourne Stars and the Melbourne Renegades, respectively. In the last season, he went back to New South Wales and joined the Thunder, but a hand injury prevented him from playing a game for the club.

Thunder have welcomed Maddinson’s re-commitment, with Copeland reiterating the value he brings both on and off the field.

"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."