Tigers quicks find new BBL homes

The KFC T20 Big Bash League signing spree has continued with Test fast-bowler Ben Hilfenhaus leaving Hobart Hurricanes to replace Jackson Bird at Melbourne Stars after his state teammate agreed to terms with Sydney Sixers.

Just minutes after it was announced that Bird had left the Stars to take up a three-year deal with the Sixers, the Stars announced they had recruited Hilfenhaus, also on a three-year deal.

Desperate to fill the gaping hole left in their roster following the retirement of veteran Brett Lee, the Sixers were happy to lure Bird back to his home town.

"We are delighted to secure the services of Jackson on a multi-year deal and welcome him home to Sydney," Sixers General Manager Dominic Remond said of Bird, who grew up on Sydney's northern beaches.

"He has been a very consistent performer in the Big Bash with impressive stats for both economy rate and strike rate.

"Whilst a different type of bowler, Jackson will help fill the void created in our bowling ranks after Brett Lee's retirement. He has played a lot of junior cricket with many of our team, so should fit in seamlessly."

Hilfenhaus has been with the Hurricanes since the inception of the BBL and his move north has been hailed by new Stars coach Stephen Fleming.

"We're very pleased to have contracted a bowler of Ben’s calibre with the Stars," Fleming said.

"His ability to strike with the new ball as well as his versatility later in the innings will be vital for the Stars this season."

The Stars also paid tribute to Bird, who has been with the franchise for four seasons.

"It was sad to see Jackson leave the Club after four terrific years," said Chief Executive Clint Cooper.

"Jackson was a foundation player of our Club and has been a great contributor on and off the field.

"We wish him all the best in the next phase of his career and look forward to facing him when we next play the Sixers."

The Stars also announced they had agreed to terms on new deals with Englishman Luke Wright and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Triffitt.

Hilfenhaus said he was looking forward to linking with Fleming, who he played under at the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

"It’s really exciting for the Stars to have Fleming on board," Hilfenhaus said.

"I’ve played under him with Chennai and I’m looking forward to working with him in Melbourne and improving on my T20 knowledge.

"I've played against all the (Stars) guys before, so it will be good to finally have them on my side.

"The bowling line up is pretty strong and they seem to have all bases covered so I’m looking forward to working with them and carving out a role depending on what the coach and captain want from me."

Bird, who played the most recent of his three Tests in the 2013 Ashes series, said he was looking forward to returning home next summer.

"It’s a good opportunity to come home and play in front of my family and friends and I’m really looking forward to joining the Sixers,” Bird said.

"Nothing really beats Sydney during the summer so I’m looking forward to getting around and going down to the beach and all that sort of stuff.

"I’m a little bit different to what Brett (Lee) brought to the team, obviously he bowls a lot faster than I do, but in the last couple of years I’ve been pretty successful bowling in the first couple of overs and trying to take early wickets and I think that will probably be my role here at the Sixers."