The Sydney Thunder have added Sri Lanka star Chamari Athapaththu to their overflowing WBBL contingent of overseas talent.
Already boosted by the retention of England captain Heather Knight in the draft, the Thunder on Wednesday added Athapaththu to a list that also includes South African allrounder Marizanne Kapp and English quick Lauren Bell.
Under Women's Big Bash League rules clubs can contract up to four overseas players - but only three can be in the matchday squad.
After going unsigned as a platinum-level player in the draft, Athapaththu contacted the Thunder expressing an interest in returning to the WBBL in a lower pay bracket.
That prompted club officials to sign the opener, who appeared as a replacement player for the Melbourne Renegades last season.
One of the world's leading batters, Athapaththu made headlines when she hit 178 from 143 balls against Australia in the 2017 ODI World Cup.
The Sri Lanka star backed up that innings with 113 from 66 balls in a T20 against Australia at North Sydney Oval in 2019.
"Australia is where I’ve scored most of my international T20 runs away from home, including a century at North Sydney Oval," Athapaththu said.
"I appreciate all of the support so far and look forward to being in front of the fans, I plan to bring a Thunder-storm to the WBBL this summer."
Athapaththu's signing leaves the Thunder with a happy selection headache.
One of the world's top openers, Knight will be the first name on the team sheet, while Kapp is one of the WBBL's best allrounders and Bell is a rising star who caused Australia headaches in this year's Ashes.
The Thunder will have all four available to pick from in their season-opener against cross-town rivals the Sixers at North Sydney Oval on October 22.
