BBL clubs size up Muirhead

Leg-spinner James Muirhead is shaping as one of the hottest properties on the BBL market after the 20-year-old’s rapid rise from replacement player to Australia T20 representative.

Muirhead is in talks with a number of KFC T20 Big Bash League clubs and expects to reach a formal agreement with one of his suitors soon.

In BBL|03, the Victorian – who recently signed a four-year contract with the Bushrangers – was called up as a replacement player with the Stars, and impressed in his four outings to the point that he was a shock call-up to Australia’s ICC World T20 squad.

“Considering last year I didn’t have a home team – I was pretty fortunate I even got selected in the (Stars) side at all,” Muirhead told cricket.com.au.

“It’s turned my future in cricket right around and fast-tracked me … I’m in discussions with a couple of teams this year but I don’t think that will be finalised for a couple of weeks.”

Melbourne Stars are again in contention to recruit the leg-spinner’s services, though as a free agent it is understood Muirhead is attracting some sizeable bids from other BBL clubs.

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And while he began his Big Bash career with Adelaide Strikers, state loyalty could also play a factor in determining his final destination – a fact Muirhead made clear when discussing his Bushrangers deal.

“Signing a four-year deal with Victoria was something I’m very happy I’ve done,” he said.

“There were a lot of rumours I was going elsewhere and this and that, but I’m just happy I’m staying home.

“I always want to represent Victoria – I’m a Victorian at heart and I can’t wait for us to have some success.”

Muirhead has also taken a keen interest in the Indian Premier League, and would relish the opportunity to challenge himself against the world’s best batsmen in the game’s shortest format.

“It’s definitely something I’d like to be a part of – hopefully one day I get picked up by a side because I feel like I could do pretty well,” he continued.

“I know I can perform at those levels and I don’t really care which batsmen I come across – if it’s Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, David Warner, I wouldn’t care who I’m bowling to. I know I can get them out, and that’s all I want to do.”

With a modest record of eight wickets from five first-class matches to date, Muirhead is under no illusions as to the path he needs to take if he is to one day figure in national colours in the longest form of the game, though he does draw benefits from his national short-form experience.

“Playing Sheffield Shield is still the ultimate preparation for Tests,” he said. “You can’t compare Twenty20 bowlers with bowlers in Test cricket.

“It’s a completely different game, you bowl completely different and the plans are completely different.

“But to be able to play under high-pressure, intense situations, when the adrenalin is going through you so quickly, and the nerves are coming into it … that’s great experience in terms of preparing yourself for the top level (of any form).”