Thisara Perera and Tymal Mills sign with BBL

Saturday, 7 January 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ESPNCricinfo: Sri Lanka allrounder Thisara Perera and England pacer Tymal Mills are the latest additions to the Big Bash League 2016-17, coming in for the Melbourne Renegades and the Brisbane Heat respectively. While Thisara replaces West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo, Mills was brought in for West Indies legspinner Samuel Badree.

Thisara brings with him the vast experience of 114 ODIs and 54 T20 internationals, something the Renegades’ coach Andrew McDonald is happy to have his team tap into. “It has obviously been a quick turnaround following Dwayne’s injury but we’re happy we’ve been able to secure someone of Thisara’s experience for the remainder of the BBL,” he said, according to the Renegades site. “I’m looking forward to having him in the group and showing what he can do.”

Mills has played one T20I, against Sri Lanka in July 2016. He played the Bangladesh Premier League in November, and then went to New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, the Super Smash. He is set to play England’s T20s against India, which begin on January 26.

“With Sam Badree and Josh Lalor both out injured at the moment, the opportunity to provide additional variety to the attack was very attractive,” the Heat coach Daniel Vettori said of Mills’ selection, according to the Cricket Australia site. “Tymal has been going well for Auckland so he is match-ready. We’re looking forward to having him join us and prepare for the matches ahead at the Gabba and the MCG where the conditions should suit him.”

Bravo was ruled out last week after doing damage his left hamstring, while fielding against the Perth Scorchers, an injury for which he requires surgery. Badree too injured his hamstring, on January 3 against the Sydney Sixes, and scans subsequently ruled him out.