Usman Khawaja snapped up by Oz Twenty20 Big Bash team Sydney Thunder

Sydney, July 9(ANI): Sydney Thunder, a franchise in Australia's newly-announced Twenty20 competition the Big Bash League, has confirmed the signing of opening batsman Usman Khawaja.

It comes a day after rivals Perth Scorchers claimed to have signed the 24-year-old.

Khawaja will now join David Warner and Chris Gayle.

"I am honoured to have the chance to be playing for the Sydney Thunder this season," Fox Sports quoted Khawaja, as saying in a statement.

"I have been very impressed by the calibre of players already in the squad and we are looking forward to making our mark in the first season of the Big Bash League," he added. (ANI)