Joe Denly: Brisbane Heat sign English batsman as Tom Banton’s BBL 10 replacement

Joe Denly: The 34-year old English batsman will return to the Big Bash League after missing the last season.

Big Bash League franchise Brisbane Heat have signed England batsman Joe Denly as a replacement for Tom Banton, who had pulled out of the ongoing 10th season due to biosecurity bubble fatigue.

Denly, 34, will return to the BBL after missing the last season. In the two seasons before that, Denly had represented Sydney Sixers in 11 matches scoring 283 runs at an average ans strike rate of 35.38 and 115.98.

Having last played a T20I during Australia’s tour of England earlier this year, Denly will bring with him a 213-match experience which includes stints in the Pakistan Super League (Karachi Kings), T20 Blast (Kent Spitfires) and the Indian Premier League (Kolkata Knight Riders) in the last three years.

Heat, who begin their BBL 10 campaign with a 6-wicket loss against Melbourne Stars, would be hoping for Denly’s presence (once he becomes available) to make amends.

Brisbane Heat sign Joe Denly as Tom Banton’s BBL 10 replacement

“Joe [Denly] has a reputation of having a cool head in pressure situations and I can see him helping to control our innings, whether chasing or setting a target. We have said all along that this year’s BBL is going to be a squad game and we need to be adaptable and confident in our plans.

“As well as his obvious batting skills, Joe can be a good sounding board for our younger players and of course, give his insights around the group. We’re pretty excited to welcome such a classy and well-credentialled player to the club,” Heat head coach Darren Lehmann said in a statement.

Brisbane Heat will play their next match against Sydney Thunder on December 14 in Canberra.