James Faulkner joins Hobart Hurricanes

MELBOURNE: After spending seven seasons with Melbourne Stars, Australian all-rounder James Faulkner has joined Hobart Hurricanes, according to a report on Monday.

The signing is meant to make up for Dan Christian’s departure and is expected to be announced on Tuesday (today).All-rounder Christian will play for Renegades in the next three Big Bash League seasons, having signed a multi-year deal with the Melbourne team at the age of 35. Christian was part of the Hobart Hurricanes side that made the BBL final in 2017-18.

“By signing Dan we know we’ve got a T20 player who has proven his ability around the world over a long period of time,” Renegades coach Andrew McDonald said.“He has the ability to change the game with his big hitting in the middle order. He also brings useful variations with the ball and plenty of experience bowling at the death, so having that option gives the team added flexibility.”

Christian is presently playing in the IPL, for Delhi Daredevils coached by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, but he has been picked for only four out of 12 games. His batting form has been poor - 26 runs off 33 balls - and he has four wickets in 11.5 overs at an economy rate of 8.53.