Former New Zealand Test captain Daniel Vettori will play alongside
compatriot Brendon McCullum in this summer’s Twenty20 Big Bash League.
Vettori
has signed with the Brisbane Heat for the new-look domestic
competition, joining McCullum as the team’s second international player.
It’s
Vettori’s second stint with a Queensland team in Australian domestic
Twenty20 action after he played for the Bulls in the 2009 Big Bash.
The
32-year-old spinner is widely regarded as one of the best limited overs
bowlers in the game and stood down as New Zealand skipper after this
year’s World Cup.
Vettori has taken 79 wickets in 70 career T20 games at an average of 20.96 and an economy rate of 6.15.
In
T20 Internationals his record is 35 wickets in 28 games at 16.57 with
an economy rate of 5.36, including a best bowling effort of 4-20 against
India in 2007.
“I played with the Bulls a few seasons back and
had a good time so I’m looking forward to being more involved this time
with Brisbane,” Vettori said.
“The travel back and forth was the
toughest part of things last time and I’m keen to being a bit more
settled with things this time and be around the group a bit more.
Former
Australian Test player and Heat coach Darren Lehmann said he was
thrilled to add such an experienced and skilful player to the Brisbane
playing ranks.
“He’s obviously a leader, which is what you want, and to call on that experience and skill will be vital for us,” Lehmann said.
“With
Dan and Nathan Hauritz we’ve got spinners that spin the ball away and
into the batsmen and that gives us the advantage of playing two quality
slow bowlers.”
How much Vettori plays for the Heat during the
competition, which begins on December 30, will depend on his commitments
with New Zealand cricket and local province Northern Districts as is
also the case with McCullum.
The Big Bash League signing window closes on Friday at 5pm AEST.
