Barbados-born allrounder Jofra Archer has signed as the latest BBL|07 international player for the Hobart Hurricanes.
The 22-year-old replaces Englishman Tom Curran, who has been called into England’s Magellan Ashes squad and will not be available for the Big Bash tournament.
Archer, who plays for Sussex in Division Two of the County Championship in the UK and has committed to qualifying to play for England, has been touted as one of the most exciting young prospects in the competition.
“It was a big honour to be asked, firstly. Some of the best players in the world play in the tournament and it’s a great opportunity for myself to keep learning about the game and to get better,” Archer said.
“I’ve watched the Big Bash every year so far and had a couple of team mates and friends play in the competition – every year it continues to get better.”
The 22-year-old’s first-class stats make for impressive reading – having played 20 matches, the Barbados local has captured 89 wickets and hit 833 runs.
He joins a strong West Indian contingent in the Big Bash, with superstars Kieron Pollard, Carlos Brathwaite, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine among the names to have played in Australia last season.
Brathwaite attracted attention from fans for his unique ‘dab’ celebration after he took a wicket for the Sydney Thunder, but Archer says he doesn’t have a go-to move for post wicket celebrations.
Braithwaite’s entertaining wicket celebration
“I don’t have a signature celebration (after taking a wicket), I just do whatever comes to mind,” Archer said.
“If I see something I like I might go with it, so you never know.”
Cricket Tasmania Chief Executive Nick Cummins said although the Hurricanes were disappointed that Curran wouldn’t be playing in the Big Bash, the club was excited to secure the services of Archer.
“From a Hurricanes point of view it’s unfortunate that we won’t have Tom, but being part of England’s Test squad is a fantastic opportunity for him and we wish him well,” he said.
“We’re excited to see what Jofra can bring to our side and we think our bowling stocks are looking really healthy with he and Tymal Mills playing for us this season.”
The Hurricanes have one remaining spot to fill on their list for the BBL|07 season.
Hobart Hurricanes BBL|07 Squad: George Bailey (C), Tim Paine (VC), Dan Christian, Hamish Kingston, Cameron Boyce, Clive Rose, Ben McDermott, Jake Reed, Beau Webster, James Bazley, Simon Milenko, Tymal Mills, Tom Rogers, Sam Rainbird, D'Arcy Short, David Moody, Jofra Archer
