Photo Credit: Hobart Hurricanes
Hobart Hurricanes are excited to announce the signing of Sam Heazlett and Nikhil Chaudhary to their KFC BBL|13 squad.
Sam Heazlett joins the Hurricanes from the Brisbane Heat where he has played 50 BBL matches with a top score of 74, debuting against the Hobart Hurricanes in 2015.
Heazlett is a strong top order left-handed batsman who has established himself as an important aspect of the Queensland Bulls squad since debuting as a 20-year-old.
Recently, Heazlett scored 63 in Hobart against Tasmania in the Marsh One-Day Cup and will be looking to continue this form at Blundstone Arena as he swaps the Queensland maroon for Hobart purple this summer.
Heazlett is excited to be playing for the Hurricanes this season and hopes to establish himself in the squad as the season commences.
“Talking with Hobart I think they were the best option for me this season, shorter square boundaries at Blundstone Arena which will really suit my game,” explained Heazlett.
“I have had some great memories playing at Blundstone before, so I am really looking forward to hopefully getting a few more opportunities on the field there.”
Nikhil Chaudhary is a run scoring machine, and Hurricanes fans will soon become familiar with his trademark big hitting as the season kicks off.
A former U19 National representative for India, Chaudhary resides in Queensland, and has dominated their domestic T20 competition for the past few seasons averaging 44.8 with the bat at a strike rate of 164.3.
Chaudhary is a handy leg-spin bowler and will provide the Hurricanes with another spin option to compliment his middle to lower batting.
Looking to establish himself within the squad, Chaudhary spoke of how thrilled he is to be a part of the Big Bash and playing for the Hurricanes.
“My first goal when I moved to Australia was to be playing in the Big Bash,” explained Chaudhary.
“I would describe myself as a finisher, I’ll be there at the end in the last couple of overs scoring a couple of big ones and finishing the game for the team that will be my goal for this year.”
Cricket Tasmania High Performance General Manager, Salliann Beams discussed how Hurricanes Assistant Coach, James Hopes, put Chaudhary’s name into the mix for the Hurricanes team.
“Hopesy put Nikhil’s name forward earlier in the year, and ever since then he hasn’t stopped scoring runs, Nikhil has always batted 5, 6, 7 and he knows it so well… hopefully he’ll get his chance.”
Beams explained how important fit will be for the Hurricanes this season, “We are making sure we get the right person for the right roles was key for us. After conversations with Sam (Heazlett) and his agent, it was quite evident that he fit the bill of someone that’s got a point of difference as a left-hander and has BBL experience.”
Chaudhary and Heazlett join Corey Anderson (o/s) Iain Carlisle, Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Nathan Ellis, Sam Hain (o/s) Peter Hatzoglou, Caleb Jewell, Chris Jordan (o/s) Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade and Mac Wright as Hurricanes currently contracted for BBL|13.
The Hurricanes will get their BBL|13 campaign underway on December 11, when they take on the Sydney Sixers at home in Launceston.
Tickets for the BBL|13 and WBBL|09 seasons are on sale now. To secure your seat, head to hobarthurricanes.com.au
