The Melbourne Stars have recruited West Indies batsman Andre Fletcher for the 2020-21 Big Bash League.
Fletcher has replaced England batsman Jonny Bairstow, who has withdrawn from the squad due to commitments to international cricket.
Fletcher will play alongside fellow West Indian Nicholas Pooran at the Stars.
“We're naturally disappointed Jonny won't be able to link up with us this season, but we wish him well on his recall and England's winter tours,” said Stars coach David Hussey.
“We're glad Andre was in a position to join us and he'll bring plenty of power and entertainment at the top of the batting order.
“Andre is a former T20 World Cup winner with the West Indies so he knows what it takes to succeed in major tournaments and I'm confident he'll be a great asset around our group.”
Fletcher has been capped 45 times at T20I level – and played for the St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League earlier this year. He has also represented other domestic T20 tournament franchises.
These include the Edmonton Royals in the Global T20 Canada, Sylhet Sixers in the Bangladesh Premier League and Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League.
“I'm really looking forward to coming over to the Melbourne Stars and being part of what should be an exciting season ahead. Hopefully, I can bring my brand of batting and recent form to the Stars during the BBL,” he added.
Wasim Joins Renegades
The Melbourne Renegades, meanwhile, have welcomed Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim. He will join the Renegades for the second half of the competition, after Pakistan's T20I series against New Zealand.
“Imad is one of the best T20 players in the world with his ability to impact games with the ball and to finish the innings with the bat,” said Renegades coach Michael Klinger.
“He's an experienced player with recent title success, he's capable of bowling in the powerplay and he'll strengthen our middle-order batting.”
The Renegades also have South African batsman Rilee Rossouw and leg-spinner Imran Tahir – as well as Afghanistan pair Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad.
“Given the current landscape we've had to be flexible with our international players. We'll have Rilee Rossouw available for the whole season while our other international players will feature at different points throughout the tournament,” added Klinger.
