South African legend Jacques Kallis has signed on with Sydney Thunder for the next two seasons of the KFC T20 Big Bash League.

A genuine rival with Sir Garfield Sobers as the game’s greatest-ever allrounder, Kallis’ signature represents a huge boost to the western Sydney-based franchise ahead of BBL|04.

Kallis, 38, retired from Test cricket at the end of 2013, though he plans on adding to his 325 ODIs with the Proteas at the 2015 ICC World Cup.

“Signing a player of Jacques’ quality and experience is phenomenal news for Thunder fans,” said Thunder General Manager Nick Cummins.

“He is one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game and apart from his experience and leadership, he is still a brilliant allrounder who will give the side a quality top-order batsman and versatile bowling option.

“Just having a player of his stature around the group will be great for our young players and he will bring big match temperament and a winning attitude to our squad.”

Kallis joins the Thunder after playing a limited role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title success in IPL7.