Simmons replaces McCullum at Heat

The Brisbane Heat have signed star West Indies T20 batsman Lendl Simmons for the KFC Big Bash League season in place of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum. McCullum signed a three-year contract with the BBL|02 champions, but international commitments will prevent the dashing stroke-maker from fulfilling his duties this summer.

While the Heat lose one swashbuckling batsman they gain another in Simmons, who was a key member of Ricky Ponting's champion Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. Simmons, who is the nephew of West Indies coach Phil Simmons, was the second leading run-scorer for the competition, posting 540 runs to tie with Rajasthan's Ajinkya Rahane in second spot and fall 22 runs short of Australia's David Warner in first place. Simmons, 30, will be available for the entire BBL|05 season, joining compatriot Samuel Badree was the Heat's two overseas signings.