Sydney, Jul 19 (IANS): Australian vice-captain Shane Watson Tuesday signed up with Sydney Sixers for the inaugural season of the Twenty20 Big Bash League (BBL) in December, meaning he will play for the franchise in between the Test series against India scheduled around the same time.

Watson's decision to play in the BBL is in contrast to his Australian teammate Mitchell Johnson's. He opted out of the event to fully focus on the international assignment, including the much-awaited contest with India. Their captain Michael Clarke is yet to take a call on his participation in the league.

"When Stuart (Clark, the Sixers' general manager) rang me about joining the Sixers I was excited about the type of team that he was building and the quality group of players that he was putting together," Watson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"It is great to be based at my favourite place in the world to play cricket, the Sydney Cricket Ground, and I hope that I can add something to the squad and be part of a winning culture."

Clark, too, is excited about having Watson in the side.

"Shane is a quality cricketer and we are delighted that he has chosen to join the Sixers," Clark said.

"He brings a combination of experience and class, and will help provide the leadership that will teach our younger players what it takes to win. He is a match-winner with both bat and ball, and a quality human being."