“I’m really excited about becoming a Bear and the challenge ahead”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

The Birmingham Bears, which is Warwickshire’s T20 name, have signed New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum to help them retain their Natwest T20 Blast crown.

McCullum, who is currently representing the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will join Birmingham after New Zealand’s tour of England.

It is understood that his first game for Birmingham will come on June 26 against the Lancashire Lightning at Old Trafford.

“The Birmingham Bears had a great season last year, including winning the T20 Blast, and hopefully I can make a big contribution and ensure that we can progress in the tournament,” McCullum said. “Edgbaston is a fantastic ground to play at and hopefully it will be rocking for the big Friday night matches. I’m really excited about becoming a Bear and the challenge ahead.”

McCullum is the leading run-scorer in Twenty20 International history with 2,105 runs, which includes two centuries, and has played for Sussex and Glamorgan in the past.

Birmingham’s director of cricket Dougie Brown said: “Brendon’s dynamic performances in the World Cup have demonstrated once again exactly why he is one of the most feared batsmen in the game.

“Securing him for our last seven games has to make him one of the biggest overseas player signings in the competition’s history.

“His power at the top of the order and experience of playing in big matches are great assets to bolster our already-strong squad as we look to win through to the quarter-finals and defend our T20 Blast title.”