Why “fresh start” move to SA appealed to Sangha after Harris and McSweeney pursuit

Former NSW cricketer Jason Sangha has opened up on his exit from the Blues in state cricket and why he chose to relocate to South Australia.

Sangha played 39 first class matches for NSW across seven seasons. However, after a lean run with the Blues, the 25-year-old was dropped from the first XI side in both red and white ball formats.

Sangha revealed to SEN that a number of members from the South Australian cricket set up were keen to recruit the former Australia U19 captain which convinced Sangha to relocate to South Australia.

“I just needed a fresh start,” Sangha told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“I’m at that middle part of my career and following (my stint with) NSW, I needed something different.

“A change brings fresh ideas and eyes and South Australia were really keen for me to come on board.

“When you have a team or a state that want you to be a part of their core group, I wouldn’t say I felt loved but when someone wants you to be part of their program, it’s hard to overlook it.

“Where things were going at NSW, a fresh start was exactly what I needed. My friends and family all told me the same thing.

“Shaun Williamson, the talent ID manager and Ryan Harris our coach (pursued me).

“A big one was also Nathan McSweeney and he’s now obviously doing well for Australia.

“I’ve only played one game but so far I’m loving my time.”

In Sangha’s one appearance for SA in the 2024/25 Sheffield Shield season, Sangha was awarded player of the match honours for his 151 and 62 in SA’s thrilling two-run win over Tasmania.

Despite moving to SA, Sangha will sport the lime green for the Sydney Thunder in BBL14 over the 2024/25 summer.

Sangha has relinquished the captaincy to David Warner for the upcoming season and he said he’s excited to play under one of Australia’s most decorated players.

“The one thing I know about Dave is that preparation is a big thing for him so he will definitely be ready to go,” Sangha added.

“We have training on Monday and he will be coming down (to Canberra from Brisbane) and he’s certainly got some credits in the bank.

“Hopefully there will be no more helicopters this season but who knows, it’s Dave.

“He’s always doing something different.”

The Thunder begin their Big Bash campaign against the Adelaide Strikers at Manuka Oval on Tuesday night.

The BBL|14 season continues on Monday night when the Sydney Sixers host the Melbourne Renegades. You can hear all the action live on SEN from 7pm AEDT.