Off-spinner Chris Green who shunned the traditional first-class set up to become a T20 specialist in franchise cricket has signed a six-year deal with Big Bash League (BBL) Franchise, Sydney Thunder. It is the longest deal in BBL history.

Green is a modern day spinner who operates in the power play and is big hitter while batting lower down the order. He has picked up 31 wickets in 42 matches at an economy rate of 7.05.

On signing the bumper deal, Green expressed his gratitude for the franchise’s backing. He was picked by Sydney Thunder after he impressed scouts in grade cricket. He has played three seasons for the team so far.

“Thunder was the first team that backed me when I was playing grade cricket, so to lock in my future with the club is really exciting,” Green said. “It’s not often you have security, so for me to get that with a club that I love, I’m really excited and very grateful for this opportunity to continue to represent Thunder into the future.”

The 26-year-old who is currently playing for the Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, has featured in the  Caribbean Premier League, Canada’s Global T20, the T20 Blast and the PSL.

With the ICC T20 World Cup to be held Down Under in 2020, Green hopes to find a spot in the national side. He recently played for the Prime Minister’s XI and the Cricket Australia XI T20 tour games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

“They told me if there wasn’t a World Cup coming up they’d probably advise me differently, to come back and push my case in state cricket,” he said. “It was really great to get that feedback from the Australian selectors, and reassurance they are watching while I’m abroad and that they are taking notice of these tournaments.”