Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers snap up England's Liam Livingstone as first overseas signing for upcoming season

Perth: Perth Scorchers have announced the signing of England’s batsman Liam Livingstone for the upcoming season of Big Bash League (BBL). Livingstone has now become the first overseas signing for the Scorchers ahead of the upcoming edition of the tournament. [caption id=“attachment_6173271” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Liam Livingstone. AFP[/caption] The 26-year-old played two T20Is for England in 2017, since then he has made himself a regular fixture in the shortest format of the game after his exploits in Vitality Blast in England. He also represented Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). “I am so excited to have signed with the Scorchers for the upcoming Big Bash, it is a tournament I have always wanted to play in so I can’t wait to get to Perth. I have spent a winter in Perth, I know the place well and I am looking forward to getting back there,” Livingstone said in an official statement. Livingstone is currently playing for the Cape Town Blitz in the ongoing Mzansi Super League (MSL). Perth Scorchers had to ensure Michael Klinger’s retirement and Shaun Marsh’s move to Melbourne Renegades so this signing of Livingstone will come as a much-needed reprieve. “We are very pleased to have secured Liam for the upcoming season. He has performed really well in T20 cricket all around the world over the past 12 months,” Perth coach Adam Voges said. “Liam’s a great all-round package, he will give us some aggression at the top of the order, he’s a handy spinner and a fantastic fielder. We are excited about what Liam can bring to the Scorchers this season and I am sure he will become a fan favourite very quickly,” he added. The Scorchers have one international spot left to fill for the upcoming season. Perth Scorchers squad is as follows: Mitch Marsh (Captain), Fawad Ahmed, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Cameron Bancroft, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Matt Kelly, Liam Livingstone, Joel Paris, Kurtis Patterson, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam Whiteman. The BBL is slated to be played from 17 December-8 February. Perth Scorchers will take on Sydney Sixers in their first match of the tournament on 18 December.