Melbourne Stars have signed West Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Andre Fletcher as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow for the upcoming 10th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2020-21 in Australia.
The BBL announced the signing of Fletcher after Bairstow withdrew from Australia’s T20 league after being recalled by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for international duties.
Fletcher will join his fellow teammate Nicholas Pooran at the Stars. They have been in New Zealand with the West Indies T20I squad and will be available for BBL 10 selection until around Australia Day, January 26.
Fletcher is a vastly experienced cricketer having played more than 200 T20 games around the world.
Read Also: BBL 10: West Indies' Jason Holder set for BBL debut with Sydney Sixers
On his latest association with the Stars led by Glenn Maxwell, Fletcher said, “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.”
Melbourne Stars Head Coach David Hussey said, “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.”
The coach further added, “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.”
Meanwhile, Melbourne Renegades have bolstered their spin attack by signing Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim for the second of the upcoming BBL 10 starting December 10.
The Renegades have confirmed the signing of the left-arm spinner and handy middle-order batsman on Thursday, December 3, and said their fifth overseas signing will be available for selection for the Aaron Finch-led side from 26th December in the tournament.
Imad – who led Karachi Kings to their PSL 5 title last month, joins Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, and Imran Tahir as the overseas players at the Renegades roster for BBL 10.
Renegades coach Michael Klinger said: “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. 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.”
(With Melbourne Renegades/ Melbourne Stars official website Inputs)
