Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
England fast bowler Reece Topley has signed with the Melbourne Renegades for BBL|11.
The 27-year-old has represented his country in 13 ODIs and six T20Is and is currently with the squad for the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE as a reserve player.
Topley is the Renegades’ first international player announcement for this season.
Standing at 201 centimetres tall, the left-arm quick will be a significant addition to the Renegades’ attack and is looking forward to his first taste of Big Bash cricket.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Melbourne Renegades,” Topley said.
“Playing in the Big Bash is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been to Melbourne so many times, so I’m really excited to represent one of my favourite cities.
“I was out in Melbourne the year (the Renegades) won it, I was at the game as well and I’ve got incredible memories from that night. I know quite a lot of the guys already so I look forward to seeing some old friends and meeting some new guys as well.
“I like to bowl in those pressure scenarios, I like to try to close out games or take wickets with the new ball. I really embrace that challenge and look forward to taking on whatever role I’m given.”
Topley represents Surrey in England’s county competition and featured for the Oval Invincibles in the inaugural edition of The Hundred.
BBL Head Coach, David Saker, said Topley would be an important addition for his side.
“We’re rapt to secure Reece and are really excited about what he bring to our team,” Saker said.
“He is an experienced bowler who offers the ability to swing the ball up front in the powerplay and to bowl in pressure situations at the death.
“We believe Reece adds a real point of difference as a tall left-arm fast bowler that will complement our pace attack, working alongside the likes of Kane Richardson and James Pattinson.”
Photo Credit: LinkedIn profile photo of David Saker
Topley will head to Australia to join up with the Renegades following England’s T20 World Cup campaign.
“We’re really pleased to welcome Reece to the Melbourne Renegades,” General Manager, James Rosengarten, said.
“Reece is our first overseas player announcement for BBL|11 and we believe he will be a great fit for our group on and off the field. We’re looking forward to announcing some more exciting international additions to our team as we keep building towards the season.”
Melbourne Renegades BBL Squad: Aaron Finch (C), Cameron Boyce, Zak Evans, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Josh Lalor, Nic Maddinson, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Mitchell Perry, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Will Sutherland, Reece Topley*
*denotes international signing
Name of Author: Melbourne Renegades
Melbourne Renegades are an Australian professional men’s Twenty20 franchise cricket club based in Melbourne, Australia. They compete in the Australian Twenty20 cricket competition, the Big Bash League.