Joe Denly, New Zealand vs England 2019
Joe Denly, New Zealand vs England 2019 (Source: Twitter)

Brisbane Heat on Sunday announced the signing of Joe Denly for the ongoing 10th edition of the Big Bash League. Denly will arrive in Australia early next week and will join the squad in the first week of January after completing the mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine.

Earlier England opener, Tom Banton had pulled out of the BBL owing to’ bubble fatigue’ after being in the ‘bio-bubble’ for a long time with the national team.

Joe Denly, Eoin Morgan
Joe Denly missed out World Cup slot. (Credits – Getty)

This would be Denly’s third season in the BBL. Having already played for Sydney Sixers, he averages 35 with a couple of half-centuries in 11 matches. Denly has played a handful of international games for England. At the same time, he doesn’t have big scores to show but has created a niche around him of being a stoic, resilient, and reliable batter.

Joe Denly has a reputation of having a cool head: Darren Lehmann

Head coach, Darren Lehmann is happy to have a cricketer with a calm mind like Denly on their side. Lehmann feels that Denly will give the much-needed stability in the rather implosive batting order. He and the squad members are excited to have a classy and renowned player on their team.

Joe Denly, New Zealand vs England 2019
Joe Denly. Credits – Twitter

The 34-year-old is a highly respected batsman and teammate in English cricket. The right-hander has experience of over 200 T20 matches in which he has recorded 30 fifties and 4 tons. Led by Chris Lynn, Brisbane Heat lost their opening match to Melbourne Stars. They will go up against the Sydney Thunder on Monday in Canberra.

Darren Lehmann said in a statement, “Joe 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,’ he said in a statement.”

“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,” Lehmann added.

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