Legendary South African allrounder Jacques Kallis has signed a two-year Big Bash League contract with Sydney Thunder.

Kallis retired from Test cricket last year, but wants to play on with the Proteas’ one-day side until the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The BBL stint will give the 38-year-old something of a tune-up for South Africa’s tilt at the trophy that has so far eluded them.

“Signing a player of Jacques quality and experience is phenomenal news for Thunder fans,” said Thunder general manager Nick Cummins.

“He is one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game and apart from his experience and leadership, he is still a brilliant allrounder.”

Sri Lankan slinger Lasith Malinga, England’s Alex Hales and West Indies ace Chris Gayle are among the game-changing internationals to have played in Australia’s Twenty20 competition.

In terms of big-name foreign BBL signings, Kallis’ star power would arguably go close to trumping Melbourne Renegades’ Muttiah Muralitharan.

Like West Indies icon Gary Sobers, Kallis is the greatest allrounder of his era and boasts an incredible set of numbers.

Kallis scored 13,289 Test runs at an average of 55.37 and snared 292 Test wickets at an average of 32.65.

Kallis could potentially be facing off against another superstar South African in the 2014-15 season, with dumped England batsman Kevin Pietersen being courted by the Melbourne Stars.

The Thunder have had a torrid time in the BBL since its inception – finishing last in all three editions of the competition.