Brisbane (Australia), July 17 : Hard-hitting New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum has signed up to play for Brisbane Heat in the upcoming Twenty20 Big Bash League in Australia.
McCullum, who was recently overlooked for the New Zealand captaincy, has a healthy Twenty20 pedigree headlined by his Indian Premier League triumphs of the previous four years.
The 29-year-old grabbed international headlines in 2008 with his unbelievable innings of 158 not out (73 balls) for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural IPL match.
He was also the second player, after West Indian opening batsman Chris Gayle, to score an international Twenty20 century when he hammered 116 not out (58 balls) in New Zealand''''s win over Australia in Christchurch last year.
"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 Sydney Morning Herald quoted Heat coach Darren Lehmann, as saying.
"He will win a couple of games for us I''''m sure and I am very confident the Brisbane fans will come out and get behind him, because he is a special talent," Lehmann added.
"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," Lehmann said.
© ANI
