Perth Scorchers sign Lancashire batsman Liam Livingstone for BBL

Perth Scorchers have signed Lancashire batsman Liam Livingstone as their first overseas player for the upcoming Big Bash League season.

Livingstone, 26, played two T20 internationals for England in 2017 but has been become a highly sort after commodity on the global T20 circuit after his exploits for Lancashire in the T20 Blast in England.

He played in the Pakistan Super League for the Karachi Kings earlier this season and also played four games for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

He is currently playing for Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League in South Africa alongside Melbourne Stars recruit Dale Steyn.

The Scorchers have had to reshape their batting line-up following the retirement of Michael Klinger and the exit of Shaun Marsh to the Melbourne Renegades. Livingstone will add some much-needed power and explosiveness to the top order.

"He has performed really well in T20 cricket all around the world over the past 12 months," Scorchers coach Adam Voges said.

"Liam's a great all-round package. He'll give us some aggression at the top of the order, he's a handy spinner and a fantastic fielder."

Livingstone is well known in Perth having played a season of grade cricket for Willetton in 2015-16. He played alongside Scorchers batsman Cameron Bancroft at club level and showed his tremendous hitting ability with some dazzling T20 innings.

He said he has watched the BBL closely for many years and was keen to be part of it.

"I'm so excited to have signed with the Scorchers for the upcoming Big Bash, it's a tournament I've always wanted to play in so I can't wait to get to Perth," Livingstone said.

"I've spent a winter in Perth, I know the place well and I'm looking forward to getting back there."

The Scorchers have one more overseas slot to fill on their roster after opting not to renew the contracts of David Willey and Usman Qadir.