BBL 2017/18: Hobart Hurricanes rope in Tom Curran for seventh edition

What's the story?

England international Tom Curran has signed for BBL outfit Hobart Hurricanes after weeks of speculation surrounding the future of the 22-year-old.

Curran became the franchise's second overseas signing after they secured the services of speedster Tymal Mills earlier this year.

"I can't wait, it's a great opportunity and an honour to be involved with the Hobart Hurricanes," Curran said, before adding, "I'm looking forward to getting out to Australia and being part of the Big Bash, it's something I'm really excited about."

"We follow the Big Bash quite a lot in England - it's one of the biggest T20 competitions in the world. Listening to other English players who have played in the tournament they've only got great things to say about it. I can't wait to join the squad and the coaching staff in Tasmania."

In case you didn't know...

Curran, despite being just 22, has already featured for his country in the T20I and ODI formats. He had a memorable T20I debut, picking up 3/33 against South Africa.

While he did not feature in the BBL last time around, his impressive performances in the English domestic circuit had eyes turning in his direction. Curran picked an impressive 12 wickets in the NatWest T20 Blast, helping his side reach the quarter-finals where they fell to Warwickshire.

The heart of the matter

Curran is renowned for his death-bowling and is a very tricky customer to deal with at the fag end of an innings, with his numerous variations and handy slower ball.

The presence of George Bailey, Tim Paine and Dan Christian adds additional firepower to a Hobart side looking to make it to the knockout stages at the very least.

Hobart Hurricanes squad for the 2017/18 BBL: George Bailey (c), Tim Paine (vc), Dan Christian, Hamish Kingston, Cameron Boyce, Clive Rose, Ben McDermott, Jake Reed, Beau Webster, James Bazley, Simon Milenko, Tymal Mills, Tom Rogers, Sam Rainbird, D'Arcy Short, Tom Curran.

What's next?

The BBL will kick off on the 19th of December with the Hurricanes opening their campaign against the Melbourne Renegades two days later. With the likes of Mills and Curran spearheading the bowling attack and a more-than-handy batting line-up, Hobart will look to at least make the knockouts this time around, something they have failed to do since the third season.

Author's take

The signing of both Mills and Curran will make Hobart one of the stronger units in this season's BBL. While Mills' blistering pace can keep batsmen in a state of perpetual fear, Curran's control will ensure that they have no scoring avenues. A perfect foil indeed.