BBL news this week: Thunder & Heat sign imports, Canes recruit injured
The Sydney Thunder and the Brisbane Heat confirmed new overseas signings over the past week while the Sydney Sixers rounded out their 18-man squad and there was a worrying injury to an import.
SIGNINGS
The Sydney Thunder completed their compliment of overseas players with the signing of English fast bowler Saqib Mahmood (BWL). It’s worth noting he’s on the fringes of the England Test squad, so may be called up for the Ashes, excluding him from BBL availability.
In terms of his likely role, Cricket NSW’s Head of Male Cricket Michael Klinger said: “He bowls very good pace, can take early wickets and has great skill at the back end of an innings. He’ll provide great options for Usman as captain.”
Mahmood comes into the Thunder to replace Kiwi fast bowler Adam Milne who is a reserve in their T20 World Cup squad.
The Thunder also confirmed the re-signing of batsman Jason Sangha, who List Manager Tim Cruickshank said: “Can really play a role at the top of the order where he can score freely.”
The Sixers re-signed Jackson Bird to round out their 18-man roster. Sixers List Manager Lisa Sthalekar said: “He gives us that experience with the new ball, up front. He can also bowl in the powerplay.”
The Heat announced the signing of English batsman Ben Duckett last week, bolstering their top-order options. Heat coach Wade Seccombe said: “He brings something a little different to what we have had in the squad, being a left-hander who also bats in the top order.”
The Hurricanes are getting closer to announcing their second import, with High Performance General Manager Simon Insley stating: “We’ve got an overseas (player) hopefully that we can announce in a couple of weeks.”
Check out all the contracted BBL squads here with Brice Mitchell’s price predictions.
INTERNATIONAL FIXTURES
Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh was confirmed this week, which will affect the availability of players like Haris Rauf and Imad Wasim, considering the 14-day quarantine period. The series includes three T20Is from November 19-22 and two Tests which end on December 8.
UPDATES
Canes import Sandeep Lamichhane suffered an injury earlier this week in Nepal’s ODI loss to Oman. He made 16 from 10 balls, before going off injured in the field and not bowling. It’s believed he had a stomach complaint although it’s not too serious. One to monitor.
FORM GUIDE
Fawad Ahmed took two wickets in the Caribbean Premier League final as the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots defeated the St Lucia Kings by three wickets. Tim David (10 from 10 balls) and Canes’ BBL|10 import Keemo Paul (39 from 21) were on the losing side.
Check out our full form guide from the previous week here, including centuries from Jimmy Peirson, Jack Wildermuth, Hayden Kerr and Matthew Gilkes.
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