Big Billy targets another big prize

Pace sensation Billy Stanlake is targeting another T20 title after signing on with Yorkshire Vikings for the UK's domestic 20-over competition in the northern summer.

Stanlake, who overcame a nasty toe injury at the beginning of the 2017-18 season, has since starred for the Adelaide Strikers in their successful KFC BBL campaign, while he was a revelation in green-and-gold as Australia jumped from seventh to second in the world T20 rankings with an unbeaten tri-series triumph against New Zealand and England. 

His performances for the Strikers – where he bowled with excellent pace, bounce and control – were noted by Yorkshire's director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, who was visiting the Adelaide franchise due to his connection to Jason Gillespie, who had a successful stint coaching the county powerhouse. 

Reaching speeds in excess of 150kph, Stanlake hit his straps in BBL|07, delivering on the sort of promise that earned him a Cricket Australia central contract last year, after he made his ODI debut that January. 

"I can't wait to get over there and play some county cricket," said the 23-year-old, who has signed on for a minimum of 12 matches in the UK's domestic T20 competition. 

"I've never been to the UK – holiday or cricket – so it's a great opportunity for me to get over there and learn my craft in different conditions. 

Australia could see an additional benefit in Stanlake's stint with the white ball in English conditions with that country to host next year's 50-over World Cup tournament. 

"Any time you can go overseas and learn in different environments, different conditions, I think is always a great thing. Especially for me, not having played a lot of professional cricket, to get over there is only going to be beneficial," Stanlake added.

"Obviously I'd love to bring home a title, that's always the goal. But I just want to go over there, have some success, make some mates and enjoy it."

Stanlake has a shocking history of injuries, having battled stress fractures in his back, feet and pelvis – a fact borne out in his limited exposure to professional cricket; he has just two first-class matches to his name.

"Being able to play some cricket in the off-season, in such a great competition, it was an easy decision for me," he added of the Yorkshire move.

"Just getting more cricket under my belt, that's the most important thing."

Stanlake hasn't played Sheffield Shield cricket since December 2015 and despite being part of ladder-leaders Queensland's squad, he isn't expected to take part in the remainder of the season due to light bowling loads. 

His next cricket commitment is the Indian Premier League, where he will play under David Warner at Sunrisers Hyderabad.