Vince Retained And Whiteley Picked Up In BBL Draft

This season marks the 12^th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) and the overseas draft took place on Sunday with two Hampshire players selected to feature in the Australian franchise league.

Skipper James Vince was retained by the Sydney Sixers – the side he has represented in each of the last four BBL campaigns - while white-ball batter Ross Whiteley was picked up by Brisbane Heat.

Vince has been impressive during his time at the Sixers, helping them to two BBL titles and a runners-up place in the last three years. In the 2020/21 season he finished second to Alex Hales in the run scoring standings, with scores of 98* and 95 in the qualifier and final earning his side the trophy.

Hampshire’s skipper also starred in the 2022 Vitality Blast, where he led Hampshire Hawks to a third T20 title – scoring two centuries and earning the Player of the Tournament award along the way.

Destructive batter Ross Whiteley was also part of the Hawks’ side crowned Vitality Blast champions at Edgbaston in July and he has been selected to take part in the BBL for the first time by the Brisbane Heat.

Whiteley has played over 150 matches in the T20 format and has franchise experience in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), while also representing Southern Brave in The Hundred.

The best way to see James and Ross in action for Hampshire is with a Hampshire Cricket Membership, granting the ultimate access to Hampshire and Hampshire Hawks’ endeavours. Memberships for 2023 will go on sale in September 2022 with more information available at www.ageasbowl.com/membership.