The Brisbane Heat have added experienced English all-rounder Tom Curran for this summer’s KFC Big Bash League.
Curran, 31, was confirmed this week as the Heat’s first international recruit for BBL|16 since the contracting embargo lifted 10 days ago.
The classy allrounder will add pace bowling experience and lower order batting prowess to the Heat squad, with the team in teal his third BBL club after stints with the Sixers and Stars.
He has played 52 BBL career games, taking 72 wickets at 20.61 including a Big Bash career-high haul of 4-10 last season for the Melbourne Stars.
A three-format English International, the Surrey stalwart is closing in on 300 career T20 matches, having registered 290 games to date, including stints in the Indian Premier League and The Hundred.
He has 2705 runs at a career strike-rate of 145.89, with a highest score of 67no, while his 297 wickets have come at an economy rate of 8.83.
Brisbane Heat coach James Hopes was delighted to secure Curran’s signature for his first season with the Heat.
“We’re very pleased to sign a player with Tom’s skill level and experience,’’ Hopes said.
“He’s fiercely competitive and from my experience coaching him at Delhi in the IPL, he lifts the other players around him through his energy, drive and focus.”
“I’ve been watching him in action last week for the Edinburgh team in the new Euro League where he has taken 10 wickets in four games so far, and I am sure he will enjoy bowling for us at the Gabba.”
“Batting wise, he is very similar to Mchael Neser in the way he can influence a game by managing the innings, either counter-attacking himself or getting the best out of his partner.”
“Tom’s BBL experience with the Sixers and Stars is a bonus as he knows the Australian venues and conditions very well which will undoubtedly benefit our playing group,” he said.
BRISBANE HEAT – BBL|16 SQUAD
Xavier Bartlett
Max Bryant
Tom Curran (Eng) – NEW
Lachlan Hearne
Spencer Johnson
Matt Kuhnemann
Michael Neser
Nathan McSweeney
Matthew Renshaw
Callum Vidler
Hugh Weibgen
Jack Wildermuth
