Steyn signs on for Brisbane Heat

Dale Steyn will play a one-off match for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League after South Africa's Test tour of Australia finishes in early December. Steyn has signed on to play the Heat's first match of the tournament, against the Hobart Hurricanes at the Gabba, to cover for the Heat's other international fast-bowling recruit, Kemar Roach, who will join the squad after the first game.

South Africa's last Test finishes at the WACA on December 5, which will make it easy for Steyn to stay on for a few days for the game. The Heat coach Darren Lehmann, who coached Steyn with the Deccan Chargers during the IPL last season, said he was thrilled Steyn had agreed to fill the one-match vacancy.

"I was pleasantly surprised when he said he was [interested]," Lehmann said. "In fact I was over the moon. It's one game, and it is a massive bonus to have him available, but it is the first game and that gives us a great opportunity to hit the ground running from the outset."

"We struggled to get momentum early last season and that's an area we've had a good look at. But throwing someone like Dale into the mix on the Gabba for our first game is a handy way to help address that. This has all happened pretty quickly for us but it's certainly something for us and the fans to get excited about ahead of the opening game."

Steyn said: "Even though it's only for one match, I'm looking forward to experiencing the Australian domestic T20 setup and the passionate cricket fans that I've heard lots about. The Heat squad has some talented cricketers on board, who I have no doubt can make a telling impact this coming season."

The addition of Steyn comes after the Heat also signed Mitchell Johnson to their squad this week. The Heat have now signed 16 players and must add two more to their roster by the end of the contracting period on November 30.