Cricket: Vettori to join McCullum at Brisbane

Daniel Vettori. Photo / Getty Images

Former Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori has signed with Australian Twenty20 side the Brisbane Heat to join teammate Brendon McCullum at the franchise for the Big Bash League this season.

The New Zealand duo will make up the two international players allowed in each squad.

Vettori will have his second stint in Australian domestic Twenty20 cricket, after turning out for the Queensland Bulls in the 2009 KFC Big Bash series.

Vettori stepped down as New Zealand captain after this year's Cricket World Cup, retiring from ODIs and international T20s in the process.

McCullum signed with the Brisbane franchise in the weekend. McCullum has also previously played in the competition, wearing New South Wales colours in 2009.

McCullum was the second player after West Indies opener Chris Gayle to score an international Twenty20 century, making 116 not out off 58 balls against Australia last year.

32-year-old Vettori has taken 79 wickets in 70 career T20 games and captained the Royal Challengers Bangalore in this year's Indian Premier League.

The addition of Vettori will give Brisbane a potent spin lineup with Australian international Nathan Hauritz also in the squad.

Heat coach Darren Lehmann said he was thrilled to add such an experienced and skilful player to the Brisbane playing ranks.

"He's obviously a leader, which is what you want, and to call on that experience and skill will be vital for us," Lehmann said.

"With Dan and Nathan Hauritz, we've got spinners that spin the ball away and into the batsmen, and that gives us the advantage of playing two quality slow bowlers."

"Dan played here a couple of years ago and everyone spoke highly of him. He's a good lad and will fit into our group really well."

"And the fans will love him here. He'll bring people to the games and have an influence in a lot of matches for us."

"As is the case with Brendon McCullum, we'll work through Dan's availability with his management and New Zealand Cricket and Northern Districts, but whatever he does, he brings absolute class to the table and we are delighted he is on board."

- HERALD ONLINE