Heat sign Doolan for BBL|05

Former Melbourne Renegades batsman Alex Doolan has found a new home for the upcoming KFC T20 Big Bash League season, signing a one-year deal with Brisbane Heat.

The 29-year-old right-hander, who was delisted by the Renegades earlier this year, will look to cement a place in a Heat batting line-up featuring Chris Lynn, Joe Burns, Peter Forrest, Ben Cutting and Nathan Reardon.

Doolan said the chance to play regularly on the pacy Gabba pitch was one of the key drivers in his decision to move north, while he was also excited by the prospect of working with new coach Daniel Vettori.

“Coming to the Brisbane Heat is a really good opportunity for me to learn more about my game and work with a new bunch of people,” Doolan said.

“Obviously batting at the Gabba will be a really great experience as it’s a fantastic cricket wicket.

“One of the main draw cards was also working with Dan Vettori.

“He’s a man with a huge amount of international experience and he’s getting great recognition early in his career as a coach.”

Doolan delivers in warm-up match

The Tasmanian played four Tests last year after making his Baggy Green debut against South Africa in February, scoring 89 in his first match in Centurion.

“Batting against the likes Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel on their home turf is one of the most challenging things to do in international cricket,” Vettori said.

“Alex was not only able to compete but succeed against these guys, so we know he has the mental strength and ability to perform at the highest level.

“To be successful in competition’s like the BBL you need to have variety and depth in key positions and Alex will certainly provide that for our batting line-up.”

Doolan's cat-like reflexes topple Forrest

Doolan is the latest in a string of signings by the Heat, who have already secured the world's No.1-ranked Twenty20 bowler in West Indian Samuel Badree and big-hitting New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.

BBL journeyman Luke Feldman has also joined their ranks, alongside Australia A quick Andrew Fekete.

Brisbane Heat BBL|05 Squad: Samuel Badree (international), Nick Buchanan, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Alex Doolan, Andrew Fekete, Luke Feldman, Jason Floros, Peter Forrest, James Hopes, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum (international), Jimmy Peirson, Nathan Reardon, Mark Steketee.