Scorchers sign Willey for BBL

The Perth Scorchers have signed England international allrounder David Willey for this season's T20 Big Bash League, and he will therefore miss the England Lions tour to the UAE in December.

The England second-stringers will play Pakistan in T20s and one-day games in the Asian country in December and January but Willey has been withdraw from the squad so he can take up the offer with the Perth outfit.

Willey has played in six ODIs and two T20s for the Three Lions. The BBL will commence on 21 December with the final scheduled for 24 January.

England's director of cricket, Andrew Strauss said: "This is an excellent opportunity for David.

"It will be the ideal preparation for him leading into the ICC World T20 in India next year – giving him the chance to focus on the T20 format for an extended period of time, and improve his skills accordingly."

Scorchers coach, Justin Langer said: "David Willey is an up-and-coming, very hungry, hard-working, young player who will hopefully provide with some power hitting in the middle overs, left-arm swing bowling.

"He's showed how well he can do that against the Aussies in the one-dayers a few months ago and he's a gun fielder. He's also renowned for his work ethic and character. It's a really good package."

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