Sydney Thunder sign young Victorian paceman Harry Hoekstra
The 20-year-old left-arm quick has already played state cricket this spring and is hoping to make his Big Bash debut this summer.
Sydney Thunder have signed 20-year-old Victorian fast bowler Harry Hoekstra for KFC BBL|16 on Friday, Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Hoekstra has already received state caps in the One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield this spring, and this is his first Big Bash contract.
The left-arm quick will join a pace attack that includes New Zealand internationals Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, along with Daniel Sams, the club's all-time leading wicket-taker.
Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said the club was thrilled to welcome the young player, calling him an incredibly exciting talent.
Copeland said Hoekstra brings genuine wicket-taking ability and praised the way he attacks the game.
Hoekstra took five wickets for Victoria against NSW (5-42) in his second One-Day Cup match, and then took six wickets in the Shield against reigning champions South Australia (6-103).
In that Shield match, he also removed former Test opener Jake Weatherald and top-scored for his state in the first innings with 45 off 122 balls.
His match figures of 9-98 against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval gave him a Shield bowling average of 13.4 after his second first-class match.
Born in Leongatha, Hoekstra took 10 wickets for Victoria Academy in the Study NT Top End T20 Series in August.
Hoekstra said he was looking forward to working with Thunder coach Andrew Flintoff and Boult, whom he described as childhood heroes.
"Freddie seems like a great person and hopefully I can learn a few things off him this season," Hoekstra said in a statement.
The Thunder have now filled 15 of the 18 list spots allocated to a BBL roster, and they open their season against Adelaide Strikers at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Dec. 16.