Heat sign Strikers star batsman Alex Ross

Feb 11, 2016 - 4:44 AM Big Bash League strugglers Brisbane Heat have landed a major coup for next season, signing gun Adelaide Strikers batsman Alex Ross.

The 23-year-old right-hander has played the past two seasons with the Strikers, scoring 247 runs at a strike-rate of 143.60.

The Heat have failed to make the BBL finals for three seasons but could boast one of the competition's best batting line-ups in 2016-17, with Ross linking up with BBL player of the tournament Chris Lynn and retiring New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum in Brisbane.

Ross, the freshly crowned Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year, said it was a tough decision to leave Adelaide.

"The crowd and fans are so good in Adelaide, but coming to the Heat was an opportunity I couldn't resist and I'm extremely excited to be coming to Brisbane," he said.

"I love playing at the Gabba and am really looking forward to working with the Kiwis and the likes of Lynny and Reardo (Nathan Reardon)."

Lynn said he was looking forward to playing with Ross, rather than trying to contain him as an opposition player.

"He's given Queensland a few headaches in the past," Lynn said.

"He's the sort of player who is intensely competitive with the bat and in the field and I am sure he will fit beautifully into the Heat squad."

Source: AAP