Tye's Big Bash rise tempts Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire have signed Andrew Tye, one of the outstanding performers in the Big Bash League, as their second overseas player for the 2016 NatWest T20 Blast.

Tye, a 29-year-old fast bowler and a team mate at Perth Scorchers of Gloucestershire's profolic batsman Michael Klinger, was a key part of their victorious Big Bash League campaign in 2015.

He took 14 wickets at an average of 18.3 and a strike rate of 16, prompting Australia T20 captain Aaron Finch to describe him as the "find of the tournament" on Twitter.

Tye said: "I am delighted to have signed for Gloucestershire for the NatWest T20 Blast. I have heard great things about the club from many sources, including my Perth Scorchers team mate, Michael Klinger."

A specialist death bowler and clean-hitting lower order batsman, Tye's form in 2014/15 saw him secure an IPL contract with the Chennai Super Kings.

Despite hailing from Perth, Tye will be no stranger to English conditions, having played Second XI cricket for Somerset, Durham and Northants.

He will be available for the duration of Gloucestershire's NatWest Blast which kicks off under floodlights against Sussex Sharks in Bristol on May 20.

Gloucestershire's head coach Richard Dawson said: "I saw him last year in the Big Bash where he was very impressive in helping Perth Scorchers win the competition. We are looking to make improvements in T20 cricket this year and get through the group stages. Andrew will help us achieve that. He is a highly-skilled bowler who will significantly add to our T20 cricket."

A late bloomer, Tye only made his professional debut in 2013 at the age of 26, but he has gone on to cement his place in the team in all three formats of the game.