Big Bash League’s all-time leading wicket-taker Ben Laughlin has joined Brisbane Heat, switching over from Adelaide Strikers. The right-arm bowler had one season left on his contract with the Strikers but requested to be released to his home state, where he has now signed a two-year deal.
Head coach Darren Lehmann welcomed Laughlin, who has grabbed 95 wickets in the competition at an average of 21.55 and economy of 7.87, while also lauding the Strikers management for consenting to the move.
Lehmann said, “I think the Strikers management deserves a real rap for the way they dealt professionally and compassionately with his request to be released. Lehmann is very pleased to welcome Ben to our group. I am looking forward to working with him again after he was in the Queensland team in the old KFC Big Bash in my first season with the Bulls.”
South Australia High-Performance Manager Tim Nielsen was disappointed to see Laughlin leave but understood his decision. He said, “Ben has been a great bowler for us for a long time, so we were disappointed but understood the decision. He has two young boys now and wants to spend more time closer to the family home in Noosa.”
Laughlin is the latest in a summer of exciting acquisitions by the Brisbane Heat, who’ve already landed AB de Villiers along with Tom Banton. Meanwhile, the Strikers have replaced Laughlin with New South Wales seamer Harry Conway, who is yet to make his start in the BBL.
