Gibbs to play for Scorchers in Big Bash

SYDNEY: South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs has become the first international signing for Australian franchise Perth Scorchers for next year's Big Bash Twenty20 tournament, the team said on Friday.

Gibbs is one of the most experienced batsmen in the history of T20 cricket, playing 23 international matches for South Africa and 113 domestic T20 games across four continents.

The Scorchers are expecting Gibbs, with a strike rate of just over 125 runs per 100 balls, to give them a boost at the top of the batting order.

"When recruiting international players you need to make sure that these players bring outstanding qualities and add value to your set-up, and I firmly believe in Herschelle we have exactly that," Perth Scorchers head coach and former South Africa coach Mickey Arthur said.

"I have known Herschelle for many years and have seen him destroy some of the best attacks in world cricket.

"I am looking forward to seeing him take to the Big Bash League in a similar manner and I'm sure the Perth Scorchers fans will really warm to him."

West Indian Chris Gayle signed for Sydney Thunder on Thursday after the Perth Scorchers rejected his contractual demands.

The Big Bash T20 tournament runs from December 30 to February 5.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011