BBL 10: Morne Morkel joins Brisbane Heat, Thunder sign Billings
Former South African speedster Morne Morkel has signed up with the Brisbane Heat ahead of this year’s Big Bash League. The Protea recently bid goodbye to his three-year county stint with Surrey and will be available for the entire BBL.
The 36-year-old played a solitary match for the Perth Scorchers last year as a replacement international player. But Morkel will play as a local player after having secured a permanent residency in Australia.
“I am still enjoying my cricket enormously and the chance to be part of the Heat squad is something I am keen to experience,” Morkel said. “I admit it will be a bit unusual to call myself a local, but we are enjoying living and working here and this is another aspect of our lives that I am looking forward to being a part of.”
Morkel has also been part of the cash-rich Indian Premier League, having represented Rajasthan, Kolkata and Delhi.
✅ 544 International Wickets
✅1007 Domestic Wickets@mornemorkel‘s experience will be invaluable in #BBL10! ?? https://t.co/B4SNpqJflS#BringTheHeat #MorkelSigns pic.twitter.com/UzIQj1jNnm
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) November 6, 2020
Heat coach Darren Lehmann expressed his excitement at signing an experienced professional like Morkel.
“I saw a line from Dan Christian the other day that ‘old blokes win stuff’ and while I am in no way putting Morne in the ‘old’ category like ‘Christo’ certainly is, we believe his experience with bowling in different conditions is invaluable and will be beneficial to the squad,” Lehmann said.
“Anyone who has played or coached with him or against him will happily attest that he is a champion person. On the international front, I consider his best bowling efforts came as he got older. His control and skill with the ball were his trademarks so it will be great to introduce him into our group,” he added.
Billings joins Sydney Thunder
Meanwhile, Sydney Thunder have roped in aggressive English batsman Sam Billings. He will be joining the Thunder squad once England’s limited-overs series against South Africa comes to an end. Billings said he feels ‘fortunate’ to work with head coach and former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond.
We loved watching him as a Sixer… now @sambillings has switched allegiance and joined the @thunderBBL ?
Bring on #BBL10! pic.twitter.com/wgooFd1vJv
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) November 5, 2020
“Bondy’ is fantastic,” Billings said of Bond.
“I’ve been very fortunate to work with some exceptional coaches and Shane is in that bracket. The squad that’s been assembled is very exciting. There’s a great blend of youth and experience, which is the key to winning any tournament.”
Bond, reciprocating Billings’ feelings, said he was looking forward to work with the Englishman.
“It’s not easy to get someone who wants to be a middle order batter, but he wants to do that for us,” said Bond. “And I know he wants to continue to do that role for England – and that offers so much to our team.
“We’re delighted to have Sam. When you put a squad together you look for the playing quality of the person you’re signing, but you also want players who’ll also bring something to the group, including good company.
The tenth edition of the Big Bash League begins on December 10 2020, with the final being scheduled for February 6 2021.
