NSW batsman Daniel Hughes has re-joined the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season after a three-year absence.

Hughes was the hero of the Blues’ seven-wicket victory over Victoria in the Matador One-Day Cup on Sunday, scoring 122 from 121 deliveries in NSW’s successful pursuit of 310.

The 27-year-old played for the Sixers in BBL02 and spent two subsequent seasons with cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder before spending a year out of the Big Bash last summer.

Hughes will add extra firepower to a Sixers’ batting line-up already boasting the likes of Nic Maddinson – who shared a bruising 192-run stand with Hughes on Sunday – plus Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques and Jordan Silk.

“I had a year off last year from the Big Bash and I think that really helped me work on little parts of my game,” Hughes said. “It’s been four years since I’ve been in the magenta but I think I’ve matured as a player, I’m very much looking forward to the opportunity the Sixers have given me this year and I look forward to the tournament.

“Personally I just want to contribute to the top of the order if I can, contribute to some wins and just really create some team atmosphere and just really enjoy my time with the boys again.

“Most of the guys that are in the NSW squad are all playing there, the skipper is playing there, I get on quite well with Moises (Henriques), Maddo (Nic Maddinson) and I’m pretty good mates with Hadds (Brad Haddin) as well so it’s just good to get back into the magenta and be around those boys again.”

Hughes scored 425 runs at 38.63 in six Sheffield Shield matches last season and Sixers coach Greg Shipperd said it was that form which caught his eye.

“Daniel made a great impression with his Sheffield Shield results last season most notably a swashbuckling game finish against Tasmania that seriously caught our eye,” Shipperd said. “Daniel also was a prodigious scorer in all other forms of the game including a 300 in Futures League cricket.

“He has continued to progress this season and his early season form has been pleasing.

“We were looking for flexibility with our batting order and Daniel is adept against both pace and spin we welcome him into the fold in an important season for the franchise.”

The Sixers have two spots left to fill in their squad for BBL06, including one international position.

Sydney Sixers BBL squad

Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Doug Bollinger, Johan Botha, Ryan Carters, Ben Dwarshuis, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Daniel Hughes, Nic Maddinson, Joe Mennie, Nathan Lyon, Steve O’Keefe, Jordan Silk, Mitch Starc.