West Indies star has big shoes to fill in this summer's KFC Big Bash League
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.
"Brendon, the Heat and New Zealand Cricket have worked hard at things but in the end, his commitment to the Black Caps is the priority at this time and we accept that," Vettori said.
"The fans will naturally be disappointed, and we certainly acknowledge that feeling.
"Brendon signed a three year deal originally and we had hoped circumstances would allow more matches this year than has turned out.
"I know he was keen to get back to Brisbane again and so we will certainly be looking to achieve that in the future with the remaining two years of his contract.
"We are pleased though to be able to sign such a talented batsman as Lendl Simmons.
"Having coached against him in the IPL and played against him in the Caribbean Premier League, I know he is a match-winner."