England internationals Joe Root and Jos Buttler have signed deals with the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash T20 League. 

The signings were announced by the franchise on Friday. Root, who was snubbed by the IPL and dropped by England in the T20 format, is aiming to sharpen his skills.

The England Test captain has played just 28 T20Is in six years, with six of those games at the World T20 in 2016.

‘I want to gain as much experience as possible in T20 cricket,’ Root said in a statement on the Sydney Thunder’s website.

‘I’m sure there will be some mixed emotions for the fans [with the signing] but hopefully, I can win them over through the time there. There’s an opportunity for myself now to put in some strong performances and help Sydney Thunder go on and do some special things this year.’

Wicketkeeper-batsman Buttler, who scored his first Test century against India this week, will return to the side for the new campaign.

‘It’s brilliant for the club to get two players of their quality to join us,’ said Thunder head coach Shane Bond. ‘Everybody knows Jos is one of the best T20 players in the world. They bring leadership to our team and you couldn’t ask for two better players.’

Root will join up with the side after England’s tour of Sri Lanka which ends in late November, before their tour of West Indies in January.

Australia’s Big Bash runs from 19 December to 17 February.