Thunder pick Kiwi to replace Kallis in BBL

The Sydney Thunder have named New Zealand international Henry Nicholls to replace injured Jacques Kallis in their must-win local derby against the Sixers at the SCG.

The South African great has been ruled out of Saturday's Big Bash League game with a groin injury.

Nicholls is a left-hand batsman who scored an unbeaten 42 for the Canterbury Kings against the Thunder during their pre-season tour of NZ.

The 24-year-old made his one-day international debut for the Kiwis on Boxing Day, playing five games in their series win against Sri Lanka.

"It's all happened very quickly," Nicholls said.

"The Big Bash is very popular back home and it's very exciting to now be involved in a very big game for a team who have a chance to qualify for the finals."

Thunder captain Michael Hussey played against Nicholls before making a one-off appearance for the Canterbury Kings where he took the field alongside him.

"He's an exciting player who is playing extremely well," Hussey said.

The Thunder need to beat cross-town rivals the Sydney Sixers to have any chance of securing a spot in the BBL finals.