Lewis Gregory signs for Brisbane Heat ahead of Big Bash

The announcement comes after Cricket Australia decided to allow each club an extra overseas player for the campaign

Brisbane Heat have signed Somerset's T20 captain, Lewis Gregory, as their third and final overseas player ahead of BBL 10.

The announcement comes after Cricket Australia decided to allow each club an extra overseas player for the campaign.

Gregory, who is a right-handed batsman and a pace bowler, will link up with Somerset teammate Tom Banton at his new side. This will be his first stint in the BBL, having previously played in the Bangladesh Premier League and Pakistan Super League.

The 28-year-old has also played for T20 cricket for England over the past year. His most recent outings came against Pakistan last summer.

Gregory said he was delighted to have the opportunity to experience the BBL for the first time.

“We certainly kept a close eye on Tom’s performances for the Heat last season and so I’m rapt to have the chance to experience a world-class tournament like the BBL at first hand.

“I’ve enjoyed the challenge of adapting to conditions when I played in the BPL and PSL and got some good insights into Australian conditions during the Lions tour so I’m certainly excited to be heading to the Heat."

Lewis Gregory: An allrounder of many talents

Meanwhile, Brisbane Heat head coach Darren Lehmann added: “He was quite sought after so we’re very pleased he is coming to us."

“I know Bants (Tom Banton) rates him very highly as a leader, a player and as a person, and I only heard good things about him from the UK when I was involved with the preparations for The Hundred competition where he was lined up to skipper the Trent Rockets team.

“He has built a very respectable reputation as a finisher with the bat for Somerset in the Vitality Blast T20 competition, and he is skillful with the ball as well as having good pace.

“It’s great adding another experienced performer into the group. He’s performed quite well in the overseas T20 leagues he has played in and had a good taste of Australian conditions last season as captain of the English Lions team that was out here on tour.

“I am sure he is looking at the BBL as an opportunity to show the English selectors that he is one to keep on their radar ahead of the Ashes next year."