And as a result, Wade Park will be treated to some of the world’s best cricketers when the Sydney Thunder takes on Hong Kong in the defending Big Bash champions’ warm-up clash in Orange.

At Country Club Oval on Tuesday to witness the Indigenous Cup, Thunder general manager Nick Cummins confirmed his entire squad – with the exception of Test player Usman Khawaja – will be at Wade Park for the back-to-back Twenty20 games on December 11.

That means new skipper Shane Watson, West Indian sensation Andre Russell, England skipper Eion Morgan and arguably the fastest bowler in Australia, Pat Cummins, will play at Wade Park next month, although the latter’s availability to play will hinge on selection in the Australian One Day International squad.

Playing or not, Cummins will be in Orange though.

“This isn’t an exhibition game, where it’s the B grade and under 17s that play ... this will be our senior players because they need the match practice,” Cummins said.

“We have three games before our opener against the Sydney Sixers, so guys will be making the most of their preparation.”

Cummins said bringing the game to Orange was an easy decision, based largely on the area being the Thunder heartbeat west of the blue mountains with Wade Park on offer and having already hosted two Indigenous Cups.

“That gave us inspiration to bring the men’s team here this year,” Cummins said.

“The role of Sydney Thunder is to grow the game of cricket in our region, our half of NSW.

“And growing the game doesn’t mean playing games at Spotless Stadium, it means getting to the community rather than waiting for the community to come to us.

“Take content to the people, particularly those who don’t have access as freely to Big Bash content. We have a lot of fans who come from this region.”

Cummins said with a short preparation – just 10 days – the best way for Mike Hussey to bring his squad together was via a road trip.

The Thunder will travel to Orange for the Sunday, December 11 clash, before travelling to Albury to take on the Melbourne Stars in their final warm-up.

Their clashes at Wade Park, however, will be against International Cricket Council associate nation Hong Kong – and that won't be easy.

“This is a big deal for them, a big expense, they won’t be taking a development team. For us, an associate nation is going to be tough competition,” he said.

“It’ll be a good hit out for our guys.”

Cummins wouldn’t put a benchmark figure on an anticipated crowd at Wade Park, but called on those attending to create an atmosphere that “will only strengthen the case to come back”.

“The players love it and it makes it worth while,” he said.

“We thought Wade Park was a really good facility, and at the end of the day it has to be to a certain standard to be able to host cricket of this quality. Orange has that.

“And we have a good relationship with council. They’ve been very pro cricket and they were very pro active when we spoke to them about the opportunity to come and play.

“We enjoy working with councils who are enthusiastic cricket supporters. And hopefully the fans get out in numbers and make it a real occasion, that will only strengthen the case to come back.”

The Thunder will arrive in Orange on Saturday, December 10.