Russell was stretchered off during Wednesday night’s win over the Melbourne Stars after suffering a hamstring injury while attempting to save a boundary.  

The Thunder confirmed he will be sidelined for up to six weeks.

“Andre has been playing with long standing tendinitis of the right knee, that flared up in the opening rounds for the BBL,” Sydney Thunder Physiotherapist Murray Ryan said.

“This was investigated via MRI following the Perth Scorchers game and several interventions implemented to assist his symptoms and allow him to continue playing."

Thunder coach Paddy Upton said Braithwaite was a talented allrounder who would go a long way to filling the shoes of superstar Russell.  

“Carlos is dedicated to learning and advancing his game,” he said. “With both bat and ball he’s a very skilled T20 cricketer.

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with him for a season in the IPL and he really is the highest quality individual.

“He’s a top quality cricketer and person, which ticks the two big boxes when it comes to Thunder recruiting players.”