McCullum signs for Heat in BBL

Brisbane Heat have landed a major coup with the signature of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum on a three-year deal in the KFC T20 Big Bash League.

McCullum, 33, will rekindle his relationship with the Heat for BBL|05, having played three games at the club in BBL|01.

The opening batsman will also resume his close ties with Heat coach Daniel Vettori, with whom he played alongside in the inaugural year of the BBL as well as throughout their illustrious New Zealand careers.

Vettori said McCullum’s availability for this season would be determined in due course once playing schedules were finalised.

“I’m as aware as anyone that ‘Baz’ has international commitments to juggle, but we’re looking forward to seeing him back in teal during the season,” he said.

“I know Darren Lehmann really valued his input during that first season when it was all new and we were putting things together, and I’ve no doubt that our current playing group will enjoy what he has to offer in terms of his experience, leadership and on-field success.

“We’ve spoken a lot recently and he’s very pleased with the prospect of returning to the BBL for the Heat. He’s kept an eye on things over the past few seasons so we’re very keen have him back into the fold and enjoy the opportunities that brings.

“He’s a world-class batsman who has that explosiveness that can change a game. Put him alongside Chris Lynn, Nathan Reardon and Ben Cutting and you have a pretty decent T20 batting line-up.”

McCullum, who was made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours list recently, was a key element in the Black Caps’ World Cup campaign that saw them finish runners-up to Australia.

Renowned as one of the most dangerous batsmen in all three formats of the game, McCullum has hit more sixes (91) in T20 internationals than any other player, and the batsman is excited about pulling on the Brisbane Heat shirt again.

“I’m certainly looking forward to linking up with the Heat again,’’ he said from England, where he will play for Warwickshire in the English domestic T20 competition.

“Apart from Brett Lee breaking my nose in the first-ever game, I enjoyed the experience of being part of the inaugural year when it was all a bit unknown and there was a lot of excitement and buzz about the BBL.

“The competition has really developed quickly since then and from what I have seen, the standard is right up there with the best in the world.

“When Dan broached the idea of a longer term deal, I was pretty open to things. My wife comes from Lismore and our family have spent a fair bit of time over there during the past few years.”

“There are some big games ahead for the Black Caps with the Test series in Australia but it will be good to know that the BBL is on after that. From what I have seen, the fans love the competition and so I’m looking forward to them cheering us on at the Gabba.”

The Heat has now announced 11 players, with West Indian leg-spinner Samuel Badree, the ICC’s number one ranked T20 bowler, the other International signing.

Vettori will bring down the curtain on his illustrious playing career in the next month after finishing his stint with the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League.

“We’ve been working through the planning and structure for the Heat and there are a lot of things being put into place at the moment with the likes of recruiting and team structure,” he said.

“I have been in regular touch with Bulls coach Phil Jaques and I’m excited by his plans for the Queensland Bulls. I’m looking forward to working closely with he and all of the Queensland Cricket support staff to enable the Heat and Queensland Cricket to achieve our shared goals.”

Brisbane Heat Memberships go on sale from 9am on Wednesday through www.brisbaneheat.com.au

Brisbane Heat BBL|05 Squad: Samuel Badree (international), Nick Buchanan, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Andrew Fekete, Peter Forrest, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum (international) Jimmy Peirson, Nathan Reardon, Mark Steketee.

Brendon McCullum – At a glance

-          Has been New Zealand one-day captain since 2008 and Test captain since 2012.

-          Made his Test debut for New Zealand in 2004 against South Africa and his ODI debut against Australia in 2002.

-          Is the leading career scorer in Twenty20 International cricket and is the first, and so far only, player to have scored two T20 international centuries and 2000 runs.

-          Scored 302 against India at the Basin Reserve last year, and in doing so became the first New Zealander to score a triple century in a Test.

-          His 50-ball hundred against Australia in 2009-10 is the fifth fastest ton in T20I history, while at one point he held the record for highest scores in both T20I and T20 domestic matches.

-          Launched the Indian Premier League with a stunning knock of 158 in the first-ever match, in 2008.