England outcast Kevin Pietersen will make a long-awaited appearance in this season’s Big Bash League in Australia after signing a two-year deal with the Melbourne Stars.
The 34-year-old batsman, controversially axed by England following the team’s 5-0 Ashes series loss in Australia this year, is the highest-profile signing for the new domestic Twenty20 season, which starts in December.
“Joining the Melbourne Stars was an easy choice for me when you look at the players we have … and don’t forget our home ground, the MCG,” he said in a statement late Monday.
The prolific run-scorer will join Australian stars Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner in the team, along with Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga.
Captain Cameron White said his good friend Pietersen was a great signing.
“He’s a tremendous addition to the squad and will fit in really well, and he’ll hopefully provide us the edge to go deeper into the tournament this year,” he said.
The Melbourne Stars were beaten semi-finalists in the first three editions of the Big Bash League.