Sydney, Nov 25 (IANS): England's wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler was signed by the Sydney Thunder franchise for the upcoming seventh edition of the Big Bash T20 League (BBL) in Australia.

Buttler, who played five games for the Melbourne Renegades in BBL-3, is expected to be available for the first six games of the tournament before England's one-day international and T20 campaigns against Australia and New Zealand.

Upbeat at returning to the T20 league, the 27-year-old said: "I'm really excited. I've played in the BBL once before, ahead of England's last ODI tour to Australia.

"I've watched the competition go from strength to strength to become one of the best competitions in the world. The crowds are fantastic and there's a big family emphasis which creates a great atmosphere."

Buttler is England's first-choice wicketkeeper in ODIs and T20s, but his Test spot was grabbed by Jonny Bairstow since 2015.

Buttler has England's three fastest one-day hundreds to his name and the right-hander is expected to resume his spot behind the stumps for the ODI series against Australia following the ongoing Ashes rubber.