England batsman Tom Banton has signed a new two-year deal with Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Banton is currently in South Africa where he made his ODI debut for England overnight in the series against the Proteas. He played the first half of the ongoing BBL edition for the Heat, scoring three half centuries at a strike rate of 176.98 while amassing 223 runs.
Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann said Banton had been identified as a key signing for the club.
"I think anyone who saw Tom during his seven games for the Heat in the BBL would agree that he is a special player and someone we think can play an important role for us over the next two years," he said.
The 21-year-old right-hander has played three T20Is for England and shapes as a potential member of their squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia in October.
In the Indian Premier League auction last year, Banton was bought by former IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at his base price of Rs 1 crore.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)