Perth Scorchers sign fast bowler Albert Esterhuysen for BBL
The 20-year-old South African-born pacer made his Western Australia debut last season and has now joined the six-time BBL champions.
Albert Esterhuysen, a 20-year-old fast bowler, signed his first Big Bash contract with the Perth Scorchers on Monday, Cricket Australia said in a statement.
The South Africa-born pacer made his debut for Western Australia last season and has moved quickly through state cricket.
He moved to Australia with his family eight years ago, settling in Mandurah, south of Perth, after growing up near Centurion in South Africa.
"Every kid dreams to play Big Bash, so I reckon it's an awesome opportunity," Esterhuysen said.
He said he admired the way the Scorchers operate and described their players as the best of the best.
Esterhuysen made his first-grade debut at 15 for Rockingham-Mandurah before earning a WA contract.
On his Sheffield Shield debut in March, he took 4-37 against Queensland, with Matt Renshaw as his first first-class wicket.
"I'm very competitive and I just love winning," he said.
Head coach Adam Voges has a stacked bowling group at the Scorchers, and Esterhuysen knows he faces competition for a place in the side.
Close friend Mahli Beardman, an Australia white-ball representative, took 13 wickets in last summer's BBL.
The Scorchers are six-time BBL champions, and the club plays its home matches at Optus Stadium in Perth.