John Hastings Joins Sydney Sixers for Upcoming Edition of Big Bash League

John Hastings, who played for Melbourne Stars over six seasons has signed a contract with Sydney Sixers for their 2018-19 Big Bash League (BBL) campaign, on Tuesday (May 29).

Meanwhile, Hastings led the Stars during their disappointing 2017-18 season, where they finished last. However, the all-rounder had an average stint finishing with ten scalps at an average of 27.8.

Hasting also represented Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL in the past. So far, he has taken 116 wickets at an average of just over 24 in the shortest format of the game. He has also compiled 877 runs at a strike rate of 154.4.

Moreover, the well-built pacer announced his retirement from first-class cricket last year due to persistent injuries.

Nice to be back in Sydney

Talking to the reporters after signing the agreement, Hastings admitted it is a nice feeling to be back.

He also added it is a reunion of old friends for him at Melbourne.

“It is nice to be back in Sydney actually, it brought back a lot of nice memories walking through that NSW cricket office,” Hastings said. “I’ve got an opportunity to come back and play with a lot of close friends of mine, Stevie O’Keefe was best man at my wedding and Moises Henriques and I played a lot of cricket together as juniors and Pete Nevill is one of my good mates as well,” he added.

As a result of Hastings’s move to Sixers, he will again pair up with former Victorian coach Greg Shipperd. Hasting said Greg is like a father figure and has helped him to shape his career.

“The relationship we’ve had over the years is great, he’s almost been like a father to me in a sense. I went down (to Melbourne) as a 21-year-old kid so for me I really sort of made my way and he helped shape the man I grew into,” he concluded.

Also Read: Afghanistan announces 16-man squad for the historic Test against India