Brisbane Heat sign up Tom Banton on two-year deal after impressive Big Bash bow

In seven games at the top of the order, Banton made 223 runs at an average of 31.85, including the second-fastest fifty in Big Bash history

• Big Bash news

Brisbane Heat have secured the signing of Tom Banton for the next two editions of the Big Bash.

The 21-year-old made his debut in the competition in the most recent instalment, impressing for Darren Lehmann’s Heat side.

In seven games at the top of the order, Banton made 223 runs at an average of 31.85, striking at a rate of 176.98 – the highest of anyone to have played more than six games for the franchise.

In one rain-shortened clash with Sydney Thunder, the Somerset youngster made the second-fastest half century in the tournament’s history, hitting five sixes in a single over in the process.

Having made his T20I debut in New Zealand shortly before joining up with Chris Lynn’s team, he has since made his ODI bow; he made 18 batting at No.6 as England were beaten by South Africa in the first game of their three-match series.

Lehmann admitted his excitement at tying down the Englishman for the future, with the hope being that he might be available for the entirety of next year’s Big Bash.

Reverse sweeps, hockey and me: The story of Tom Banton, the Somerset batsman with the world at his feet

“I think anyone who saw Tom during his seven games for the Heat in the BBL would agree that he is a special player and someone we think can play an important role for us over the next two years,’’ he said.

“We wanted to move quickly and are very pleased that Tom has agreed to terms. He’s a good young lad and we think his cricket will only get better from here. He’s got his first IPL coming up and he’s in the English set-up, so we know how highly he is thought of around the world.’”

As for Brisbane’s collective fortunes, Banton’s departure coincided with a dip in form that saw them miss out on a place in the final stages of the competition.

“We certainly didn’t have the type of finish to our season that we would have hoped for, and we know our fans were as disappointed as we were,” Lehmann admitted.

“We’ve spent some time since then reflecting on what worked and what we could improve on, and the best ways to achieve the goals we have set ourselves.”