Victoria paceman secures first Big Bash deal with Sydney Thunder
Sydney Thunder head coach Andrew Flintoff has lured a rising star of Australian cricket to Western Sydney, signing 20-year-old Victorian fast bowler Harry Hoekstra for KFC BBL|16.
Hoekstra, who has already received state caps in the One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield this spring, is now eyeing a Big Bash debut having secured his first BBL contract.
The left-arm quick is set to boost a pace attack featuring decorated New Zealand internationals Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, and the Thunder’s all-time leading wicket-taker Daniel Sams.
“Harry is an incredibly exciting young talent and we’re absolutely thrilled to welcome him to the Thunder,” club general manager Trent Copeland said in a statement.
“What he’s been able to achieve in such a short period of time at domestic level has been outstanding. He’s a young left-arm quick who brings genuine wicket-taking ability, we love the way he attacks the game.
“How awesome is it that he can come in to a squad with Trent Boult and Dan Sams, two other incredible left-armers to learn from.
“With Freddie (Flintoff) leading the side, we want to build a squad full of exciting players who are hungry to improve, and Harry certainly fits that mould.
“We can’t wait to see him in lime green and hopefully get the opportunity to make his Big Bash debut this summer.”
Hoekstra has enjoyed a remarkable start to the domestic season since taking five wickets for Victoria against NSW (5-42) in his second One-Day Cup fixture.
The promising paceman backed up this performance with a six-wicket haul in the Shield against reigning champions South Australia (6-103), removing ex-Test opener Jake Weatherald in the process.
He also top-scored for his state in the first innings of that encounter while batting at No.9, making 45 off 122 balls.
Hoekstra’s match figures of 9-98 (5-46 and 4-52) against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval means he currently boasts a Shield bowling average of just 13.4 following his second first-class match.
Born in Leongatha about 135 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, the South Gippsland product took 10 wickets for Victoria Academy in the Study NT Top End T20 Series during August.
He now feels he’s ready to show his credentials in Australia’s premier T20 competition, and is eager to learn from two of his childhood heroes.
“I’m really looking forward to working alongside ‘Freddie’ (Flintoff) and Trent Boult as well,” Hoekstra said in a statement.
“Freddie seems like a great person and hopefully I can learn a few things off him this season. I grew up watching Trent (Boult) on TV. Being a fellow left-armer, he’s done so well on the international and franchise stage for so many years.
“This year for me has gone so quick and I’m really happy with the way I’m performing (and) I’m sure I can continue performing this season.”
Sydney Thunder’s BBL|16 squad (so far)
Cameron Bancroft, Trent Boult (New Zealand), Sam Billings (England), Chris Green, Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand), Ryan Hadley, Harry Hoekstra, Sam Konstas, Matthew Gilkes, Nic Maddinson, Aidan O’Connor, Daniel Sams, Will Salzmann, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner
The Thunder have now filled 15 of 18 list spots allocated to a BBL roster.
Flintoff’s side kick off their season against Adelaide Strikers at Manuka Oval in Canberra on December 16.
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