The Melbourne Renegades have signed England all-rounder Ben Stokes for the rest of the T20 Big Bash League season to replace injured New Zealander Jesse Ryder.
Ryder suffered a back injury which will prevent him playing in the competition.
Recently dumped from England’s ODI squad ahead of the tri-series and World Cup, 23-year-old Stokes rose to prominence as one of the few strong performers on England’s Ashes tour last summer, making his maiden Test century at the WACA.
Stokes has played 50 T20 matches with a strike rate of 128 and best figures of 2-14 and is scheduled to arrive in Melbourne at thes weekend.
He will be available for selection for the match against the Hobart Hurricanes on January 7 in Hobart.
Melbourne Renegades coach Simon Helmot said: “Ben is a quality player and was recognised by many as one the shining lights during England’s difficult tour of Australia last year.
“He brings international experience and a real energy and will be a great asset to both our bowling stocks and batting line up.”