Ben Stokes has become the latest England international to sign for a stint in the Big Bash League after agreeing a deal with Melbourne Renegades.
The Durham all-rounder is a replacement for Essex’s Jesse Ryder, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a back problem, and is available for the remainder of the Renegades’ campaign.
He has struck 851 runs at an average of 23.63 and strike rate of 128.35 and taken 19 wickets in 50 domestic Twenty20 matches.
Stokes, with seven T20 International caps to his name, will travel to Melbourne this weekend and could make his debut in the clash with Alex Hales and Tim Bresnan’s Hobart Hurricanes on January 7.
The 23-year-old told the Renegades’ official website: “I’m excited about coming down to Melbourne for the second half of the Big Bash season to play for the Renegades.
“It was great to see them get their first win on the board last Tuesday and I’m looking forward to the upcoming matches so we can build on that result and hopefully drive the team towards finals success.”
Stokes is well known to Australian audiences after excelling in the 2013/14 Ashes Down Under. He contributed 279 runs, including a maiden Test century in Perth, and snared 15 scalps in four matches as England lost 5-0.
Head Coach Simon Helmot, whose side have recently captured Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, added: “Obviously we wish Jesse well in his recovery from his back injury and hope we get the chance to see him in red in the summers to come.
“Ben is a quality player and was recognised by many as one the shining lights during England’s difficult tour of Australia last year.
“He brings international experience and a real energy and will be a great asset to both our bowling stocks and batting line up.”
Buzzing to have signed with @RenegadesBBL can't wait to get out and get started #BBL04#T20donkey
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 2, 2015