Three-time Big Bash League (BBL) winners Sydney Sixers have signed West Indies standout white-ball bowler Akeal Hosein ahead of the competition’s 14th season.
The signing of Hosein is seen as an attempt by Sydney Sixers to bolster their spin attack which was somewhat depleted following the departure of veteran left-arm orthodox spinner Steve O’Keefe.
Steve O’Keefe ended his professional playing career on January 10 after leading the Sydney Sixers to another BBL final.
Hosein has been in fine form with the ball in hand. The 31-year-old propelled Southern Brave into the final of the men’s hundred with a series of spectacular performances.
The Trinidadian finished the recent Men’s Hundred season as the second-highest wicket-taker for Southern Brave after Tymal Mills (19). Hosein took 12 wickets in nine matches for Southern Brave at an average of 20.66 and an economy rate of 8.75.
Hosein also enjoyed a wonderful T20 World Cup from a personal point of view. He took nine scalps in seven games at an economy rate of 5.64, including figures of 5/11 against debutants Uganda – the best bowling figures by a West Indian in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Hosein has a wealth of experience and the Sixers will be expected to put that to good use. He has taken 48 wickets in 57 T20Is and has also taken 159 scalps in 172 T20s.
Sydney Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes expressed her elation over Hosein’s signing and mentioned that the team can use him to bowl some really crucial overs.
“We are thrilled to have Akeal join the club this summer,” Haynes said in a statement released by the Sixers.
“With the retirement of Steve O’Keefe last season, we identified a gap that needed to be filled and Akeal will play a key role for us in that position.
“We expect him to bowl some really important overs for us, but we also know he is a talented fielder and a capable tail-end batsman who will be able to provide crucial runs late in an innings if needed.
“As well as being one of the best throwers in the world, we know Hosein is a great team player and someone who will fit well into our group and our fans will love to see him this summer.”
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