Friday 2 January 2015 15:27, UK
England and Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes has signed for the Melbourne Renegades in Australia's Big Bash League.
The 23-year-old will replace injured New Zealand international Jesse Ryder in the Renegades' squad for the remainder of the Twenty20 competition.
Stokes is expected to make his first appearance for Melbourne next Wednesday against the Hobart Hurricanes.
"I'm excited about coming down to Melbourne for the second half of the Big Bash season to play for the Renegades," Stokes said.
"It was great to see them get their first win on the board last Tuesday and I'm looking forward to the upcoming matches so we can build on that result and hopefully drive the team towards finals success."
And Renegades coach Simon Helmot conceded Stokes made an impression playing for his country in Australia last year.
Helmot said: "Ben is a quality player and was recognised by many as one of 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."
