Dashing New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum has signed to play for the Brisbane Heat in Australian Twenty20 Big Bash League, scheduled later this year. He is Heat’s first international signing.

McCullum is second player to score hundred in T20 cricket

29-year-old McCullum, who has scored 3073 runs in 122 T20 matches with a spectacular striker run of 136.45, was the second player after Chris Gayle to score a hundred in international 20-over cricket; hammering 116 not out from 58 balls for his side in their Twenty20 win over Australia in Christchurch in last year.

Happy to reach agreement with Brendon: Heat’s Coach

“I can’t wait to see him play for us. He goes from the ‘get go’, and if he comes off for you, he can set up a game very quickly. To have a guy of that ability, who is world class, in your side, will help our younger players learn and inspire them to greater heights,” the head coach of Heat Darren Lehmann said on Saturday.

“I’m very happy to reach an agreement with Brendon. We’ll work through his availability with his management and New Zealand Cricket and Otago, but his presence in this tournament will be exceptional,” he added.

Confirmed recruits of Heat:

Nick Buchanan, Daniel Christian, Ben Cutting, Peter Forrest, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, James Hopes, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum (international), Michael Neser.

Tags: Big Bash League, Brendon McCullum, Brisbane Heat