Young guns and experienced veterans round out the lists of two of the Big Bash contenders for BBL|05
Heat and Hurricanes complete squads
Three weeks from the start of the KFC Big Bash League's fifth season and the squad lists are fast filling up with the Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat both confirming the final additions to their squads today.
The Heat finalised their squad with the addition of a couple of 22-year-old rising stars in allrounder Jack Wildermuth and leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson.
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The pair both played in the Cricket Australia XI during the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup, and have made their first-class debuts in 2015.
The Hurricanes completed their list with bowler Joe Mennie and batsman Dom Michael confirmed to return for BBL|05.
Invited to CA's 'spin camp' to work with West Indies spinner Samuel Badree at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in May, Swepson impressed and has been on a meteoric rise ever since.
With Badree signed up by the Heat, the pupil and his tutor could form a potent slow-bowling combo that will no doubt please coach Daniel Vettori, the former New Zealand off-spinning great.
"Working with Sam during spin week was a really good experience," Swepson said of his time under Badree's tutelage. " He’s got so much experience in the T20 format, which is perfect for me as I’m just trying to improve my game as much as possible this summer.
"The biggest thing I took out of the Matador Cup was learning to back myself against Australia’s best batsmen in pressure situations.
"We were up against it for the entire tournament, but it was a really good competition to be involved in and I know I’m a better bowler because of it."
Wildermuth, a fast-bowling allrounder, helped secure the CA XI's maiden Matador Cup win with a nerveless final over against Tasmania, picking up three key wickets in the match.
The Sydney Sixers also added to their roster with the re-signing of England international Michael Lumb.
Lumb is one of three internationals to have played in every season of the Big Bash, along with Melbourne Stars' Luke Wright and new Sixers teammate Johan Botha (who played the first four with the Adelaide Strikers).