The Heat confirmed this week that Curran will be the franchise\u2019s first overseas signing for BBL 16 after the contracting embargo was lifted 10 days ago. The England international will join his third BBL club after previous stints with the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Curran has played 52 BBL matches, taking 72 wickets at an average of 20.61, including a career-best 4-10 for the Melbourne Stars last season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Curran is a three-format England international and Surrey stalwart and is approaching 300 career T20 appearances, having played 290 to date. In T20 cricket, he has scored 2,705 runs at a strike rate of 145.89 and a highest score of 67 not out, while his 297 wickets have come at an economy rate of 8.83.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Heat coach James Hopes welcomed the opportunity to bring Curran into his squad, having previously worked with the all-rounder during his time with Delhi in the IPL.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very pleased to sign a player with Tom\u2019s skill level and experience,\u201d Hopes said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe\u2019s fiercely competitive and from my experience coaching him at Delhi in the IPL, he lifts the other players around him through his energy, drive and focus.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hopes has also been impressed by Curran\u2019s recent form, having watched him turn out for Edinburgh in the new Euro League, where he has taken 10 wickets in four games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been watching him in action last week for the Edinburgh team in the new Euro League where he has taken 10 wickets in four games so far, and I am sure he will enjoy bowling for us at the Gabba,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Curran\u2019s bowling will be a key asset for Brisbane, Hopes believes his batting could have an equally significant impact, comparing his role in the lower order to that of Michael Neser.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBatting wise, he is very similar to Mchael Neser in the way he can influence a game by managing the innings, either counter-attacking himself or getting the best out of his partner,\u201d Hopes said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Curran\u2019s bowling will be a key asset for Brisbane, Hopes believes his batting could have an equally significant impact, comparing his role in the lower order to that of Michael Neser.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTom\u2019s BBL experience with the Sixers and Stars is a bonus as he knows the Australian venues and conditions very well which will undoubtedly benefit our playing group,\u201d Hopes said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n