Callum Ferguson has been named captain of Sydney Thunder as tickets for this summer’s KFC Big Bash League and Rebel Women’s Big Bash League go on sale.

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The experienced batsman takes over from Shane Watson and will be supported by Chris Green, who will continue the role of vice-captain.

Ferguson joined Sydney Thunder in 2017 and has since played 21 games, scoring 544 runs at an average of 30.22.

The Mike Hussey Medallist has represented Australia in all three formats and is well respected among his peers.

Sydney Thunder Head Coach Shane Bond said Ferguson was the obvious choice to lead the team.

“It’s a natural progression. He’s got a really calm head, he’s a good communicator and is very well respected within the group,” Bond said.

“He knows his game well too which is important because there’s a lot of pressure in the Big Bash, so you want someone who understands their own game and can manage captaincy responsibilities as well.

“He has played a role in our leadership group in the past. There were times when we were under pressure last season and the clarity of the messages he delivered was just excellent.

“He’s currently getting the chance to captain overseas with Worcestershire and he’s really enjoying it. That was important from my point of view, that he wanted the job and he does, and I know he’ll be terrific.

“There were two main candidates, Callum and Chris Green. We talked to both of them about it and in the end, the general consensus was that Callum was the right person to lead the side next season.

“Greeny is a captain in waiting but he’s still young. His time will come, and I think it will be good for him to be vice-captain under a different captain.

“They’re both terrific guys to work with, I really enjoyed getting to know both of them last season and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”

Ferguson, who is currently playing for Worcestershire in England’s domestic T20 competition, said he’s honoured and excited by the opportunity.

“It means a lot to me. It’s obviously a huge honour to take over from such a great captain in Shane Watson, they’re big shoes to fill but certainly I’m really excited about the challenge and the chance to lead a group of players that I love playing with,” Ferguson said.

“I’m really looking forward to taking our young, talented group forward over the next tournament and hopefully seeing a bit of success.

“We’ve got a great group of leaders in our team and I’m really looking forward to working with them and Bondy to get the most out of our group.

“Greeny’s a really good thinker about the game, he absolutely loves the sport and I think he’s got a lot of really good ideas about the game and how it should be played. He’ll be fantastic as someone to lean on at different stages.

“He’s come along in leaps and bounds as a player, but to see him develop as a leader over the last few years has been really exciting as well.”

Sydney Thunder is set to open BBL|09 with a clash against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on Tuesday 17 December, before playing its first game in Sydney on 2 January.

Entry level ticket prices for BBL matches at Sydney Showground Stadium will also remain unchanged, with adults from $20, kids from $5 and families from $42.50, cementing the Big Bash as one of the most affordable and exciting family entertainment options in the country.

With an exciting schedule including a blockbuster Saturday night Sydney Smash and a Sunday afternoon clash on the January long weekend, tickets are expected to be in high demand.

Sydney Thunder is set to open the first ever standalone WBBL season with a blockbuster match against crosstown rivals the Sydney Sixers under lights at North Sydney Oval on Friday 18 October.

Ticket prices for WBBL matches will also remain unchanged at $10 for adults, $5 for concession and free for kids.

The team will also return to Blacktown, Bankstown and Drummoyne, before playing in Wollongong for the first time on Wednesday 20 November.

To celebrate the first ever standalone season, Sydney Thunder has launched an Inaugural WBBL Membership. For more information, please visit sydneythunder.com.au/membership.

Sydney Thunder BBL|09 Tickets

Thursday 2 January | Vs Melbourne Stars | Sydney Showground Stadium | 3:40PM

Monday 6 January | Vs Brisbane Heat | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7:10PM

Saturday 11 January | Vs Hobart Hurricanes | Sydney Showground Stadium | 6:10PM

Saturday 18 January | Vs Sydney Sixers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7:10PM

Sunday 26 January | Vs Perth Scorchers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 2:45PM

Sydney Thunder WBBL|05 Tickets

Friday 18 October | Vs Sydney Sixers | North Sydney Oval | 7.40PM

Sunday 20 October | Vs Brisbane Heat | North Sydney Oval | 2.10PM

Saturday 26 October | Vs Melbourne Renegades | Blacktown International Sportspark | 7.00PM

Sunday 27 October | Vs Melbourne Stars | Bankstown Memorial Oval | 2.00PM

Friday 15 November | Vs Sydney Sixers | Drummoyne Oval | 7.10PM

Saturday 16 November | Vs Brisbane Heat | Drummoyne Oval | 7.10PM

Wednesday 20 November | Vs Adelaide Strikers | North Dalton Park | 2.30PM