Fringe Test batsman Kurtis Patterson has the perfect chance to prove his worth in the Twenty20 arena after signing on with the Perth Scorchers for the next three BBL seasons.
The 26-year-old is set to become a lock at the top of the order after the Scorchers lost opener Shaun Marsh (Melbourne Renegades), Hilton Cartwright (Melbourne Stars) and Michael Klinger (retirement).
Patterson made his debut for Australia against Sri Lanka earlier this year, producing scores of 30 and 114no to take his average to 144 from two Tests.
But the left-hander is yet to fire in T20 ranks, with his average a modest 19.21 from 26 matches at a strike rate of 109.4.
Patterson failed to play a game for the Sydney Thunder last season but is set to become a vital cog in the Scorchers' rebuilt batting line-up.
"After losing some experience at the top of the order we identified that as an area to bolster," Scorchers coach Adam Voges said.
"Kurtis is a quality player and I believe he will play the Optus Stadium wicket really well with its extra pace and bounce.
"We have seen first-hand how talented Kurtis is, he's scored a lot of runs against us in all formats over the past few seasons."
Patterson said joining the Scorchers would give him the fresh challenge that he was seeking.
"The opportunity to gain different insights from new coaches and playing on the fast wicket at Optus Stadium were both big factors in deciding to sign with the Scorchers," he said.
Veteran legspinner Fawad Ahmed is the Scorchers' other big recruit, with the franchise still on the lookout to fill their two import spots.
The Scorchers, the most successful team in BBL history, are desperate to rebound from last summer's wooden spoon.
Australian Associated Press
