Essex batsman Dan Lawrence will play for the Brisbane Heat in the 2020-21 Big Bash League – Australia's leading T20 tournament.
Batsman Lawrence was in fine form during the T20 Blast in the United Kingdom earlier this year – and has been on the fringes of England selection.
He will play alongside fellow Englishman Tom Banton, Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, former Proteas fast bowler Morne Morkel and Australian batsman Chris Lynn at the Heat.
“The BBL is a bit of a staple diet for us at home during our winter and it will be enormous to be a part of the league out there this summer,” said Lawrence.
“I kept a pretty close eye on Banton and the other English players who were in the BBL and so coming out to join the Heat is going to give me the chance now to challenge myself again in Australian conditions.
“I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at the Heat and working with the lads to get the team off to a good start.”
Will Jacks Joins Hurricanes
Meanwhile, all-rounder Will Jacks has joined the Hobart Hurricanes. Jacks was a key member during Surrey's 2020 T20 Blast campaign.
“I am incredibly excited about joining the Hurricanes. I've heard from other English players how good the Big Bash is and I'm looking forward to the opportunity,” said Jacks.
“We managed to reach the final of the T20 Blast at home this summer, so I'm looking forward to hopefully going one step further with Hobart.”
Nicholas Pooran Joins Stars After IPL Stint with KXIP
Several other international players will be involved in this season's BBL, including West Indian batsman Nicholas Pooran. He will join the Melbourne Stars on the back of a solid stretch of form for the Kings XI Punjab in the 2020 Indian Premier League.
The 2020-21 BBL is scheduled to start on 10 December. The Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers will contest the opening fixture.
The tournament will largely coincide with New Zealand's Super Smash. The Bangladesh Premier League and South Africa's Mzansi Super League, which are traditionally played toward the end of the year, have been postponed to 2021.
