Leg-spinner Mitch Swepson, whose 39 scalps are the most by a slow bowler for the club, has re-signed for three more years to kick off the opening of the BBL player signing window today.
Swepson, who was chosen in the Australian squad earlier this year for the Sydney Test against New Zealand without making the final XI, has played 43 BBL games for the Heat.
The 26-year-old Sandgate-Redcliffe product has been a constant wicket-taking presence with the Heat since joining the club in 2015-16.
Heat coach Darren Lehmann said Swepson’s retention had been a priority for the club.
“A home-grown spinner who knows how to bowl at the Gabba, and performs well there, was an absolute must when it came to put the squad together,’’ he said.
“Swep has learned a lot from the international spinners he has played alongside, from the likes of Shadab Khan, Yasir Shah, Mujeeb and Zahir Khan, and he has improved his skills and mental preparation along the way.
“We value his input as a senior player in the group and look forward to him playing an important role for us again. He’s a very versatile spinner who can attack but also build pressure, and that is quite a skill to call on in T20 cricket,’’ Lehmann said.
Swepson said he was pleased to secure his BBL future with the Heat.
“We’re all looking forward to getting out and playing again, even though we have all been very fortunate in Queensland to be outdoors a lot during our off-season,’’ he said.
“I think the BBL this year will be something that families and fans will seize onto as a welcome reminder of the memories they have enjoyed together in previous summer holidays.
“I still remember how we all used to get together as a family at home for the early years of the BBL and it was certainly something I aspired to achieve when I was coming through.”
“It’s great to have some fun while playing a very competitive form of cricket which is where the BBL has been such a success for the players .”
Swepson joins rising English star Tom Banton in extending their Heat deals into BBL|10 and beyond.