T20 Blast 2019: Billy Stanlake to replace Kane Richardson for Derbyshire

County side Derbyshire has signed Australian seamer Billy Stanlake for the 2019 season of T20 Blast, the domestic T20 tournament of England and Wales, and he replaces Kane Richardson, who was picked recently for Australia’s World Cup squad. Kane replaced another Richardson – Jhye – in the squad after the latter failed to recover from the injury he suffered during an ODI against Pakistan.

Stanlake, who last played for Queensland in Sheffield Shield in March, has played in 51 T20 games in which he has taken 62 wickets at an average of 24 and economy rate of below eight. The 24-year-old bowler has represented Australian in seven ODIs and 17 T20Is so far, taking 32 wickets. The right-arm fast medium has also played in the Indian Premier League.

Derbyshire cricket head Dave Houghton lauds Stanlake

“Billy [Stanlake] is an excellent white ball bowler and with his height and pace, he has the qualities to trouble batsmen in this format,” Dave Houghton, the former Zimbabwe captain who is the head of cricket, Derbyshire, was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“He’s someone we’ve kept an eye on and we’ve been impressed by what we’ve seen. We were disappointed to lose Kane [Richardson], but I believe we have found a replacement who will not only complement our side but bring in new skills to keep taking us forward.”

Stanlake has 25 scalps in T20Is at an average of around 20 and was a key member of Adelaide Strikers in their title triumph run in the Big Bash League in 2018. He had taken 11 wickets at an average of 22.36.

The Australian was also looking forward to his T20 Blast stint. “It’ll be my first experience of the tournament, and having spoken to the guys I know how important the competition is. It’s a good side and a quick, bouncy track at Derby, so I hope to use my skills and contribute to performances out in the middle for Derbyshire.” He said.

This year’s T20 Blast will take off on July 18, four days after the ICC World Cup concludes in England, and continue till September 21.

Recently, Surrey also signed in South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir for the tournament.

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