Defending Big Bash champions Sydney Sixers have signed Carlos Brathwaite, who returns to the club after playing four games for them in 2017-18.

Brathwaite is the Sixers' third overseas signing after Englishmen James Vince and Tom Curran, and like Vince will be available for the full tournament. He is set to form part of a power-packed lower-middle order alongside Curran, who has been used as a finisher in recent seasons, and new recruit Dan Christian.

During his stint three years ago, Brathwaite proved more important with the ball than with the bat: he faced only six balls, but took six wickets in 14.4 overs as the Sixers won all four games he played. He has previously played for cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder, and will arrive in Australia this week after his Peshawar Zalmi side were knocked out of the Pakistan Super League in the first Eliminator.

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"I have very fond memories of Sydney," Brathwaite said. "I have good memories of playing at the SCG in my second Test match and even better memories of playing BBL for Sixers. I remember great times dancing at the games and the times in the dressing rooms with our team."

The announcement means that only one team, the Melbourne Stars, are yet to confirm the availability of at least three overseas players, with the limit per team increased from two to three for this season.

The Stars are set to confirm a third international player this week. With Haris Rauf - the Pakistan fast bowler who was a breakout star last season - unavailable for most of the competition, it is understood their signing is a wristspinner to complement Adam Zampa in the middle overs.