South African speedster Dale Steyn will extend his tour Down Under an extra week to bolster the Brisbane Heat for their Big Bash League season-opener.

Steyn will renew acquaintances with Darren Lehmann by making a one-off Twenty20 appearance for the Heat in their December 9 clash against the Hobart Hurricanes at the Gabba.

With contracted West Indian firebrand Kemar Roach not available for the first match, the Proteas’ paceman will take one of Brisbane’s four international spots on their roster.

Brisbane coach Lehmann, who had Steyn in his Deccan Chargers’ IPL squad for last year, only this week asked if the top-ranked Test bowler was interested in an extra game after the three-Test series with Australia.

“I was pleasantly surprised when he said he was,” Lehmann said. “In fact, I was over the moon!

“It is a massive bonus to have him available, but it is the first game and that gives us a great opportunity to hit the ground running from the outset.

“We struggled to get momentum early last season and that’s an area we’ve had a good look at.”

The Heat lost their first four matches of the inaugural eight-team BBL before storming home with three straight wins to finish one place outside the semi-finals.

Steyn’s announcement on Wednesday comes as he prepares for a three-day tour match against Australia A at the SCG and 24 hours after the Heat signed former Test quick Mitchell Johnson.

As well as Roach, Brisbane have Australian allrounder Shane Watson and New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori in their squad.