Tasmania sign ten Doeschate for Big Bash

Tasmania have signed Netherlands allrounder Ryan ten Doeschate for the Twenty20 Big Bash in 2010-11.

"His credentials suit what we need perfectly," Tasmania coach Tim Coyle said in Hobart. "He's an attacking, hard-hitting player who clears the boundary regularly, a very handy bowler and an excellent fieldsman."

ten Doeschate led the batting averages for Essex in England's Friends Provident t20 this year, making 296 runs in six matches at an average of 59.20. He also had best economy-rate for his side, conceding 6.81 runs an over, though he bowled only 11 overs.

Tasmania captain George Bailey said ten Doeschate reminded him of Shane Watson. "He's a bit like Watson because he can be a match winner with both bat and ball," Bailey said. "He was a key part of Essex making it as far as they did this year."

Essex won 10 of their 16 group games in the Friends Provident t20 and finished second in the South Group. They lost the semi-final to eventual champions Hampshire.

ten Doeschate will join Pakistan fast bowler, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, as Tasmania's two international players this season. The Big Bash will be played from December 30 to February 5.