BBL's leading wicket-taker on the move

The most prolific bowler in KFC Big Bash League history is on the move with the Brisbane Heat announcing death-bowling specialist Ben Laughlin has crossed from the Adelaide Strikers on a two-year deal.

Laughlin had one season remaining on his contract with the Strikers but was released after requesting a move, with Heat coach Darren Lehmann praising the club for allowing the fast bowler to return to his home state.

"I think the Strikers management deserve a real wrap for the way they dealt professionally and compassionately with his request to be released," said Lehmann.

"In turn, the Heat are very pleased to welcome Ben to our club. I am looking forward to working with him again after he was in the Queensland team in the old KFC Big Bash in my first season with the Bulls.

"From a playing perspective, I’m a big admirer of how he deals so efficiently with the roles he is assigned. He’s been a very skilled performer in those overs when there is very little margin for error and has rode the highs and lows that come with such a role.

South Australia's high performance manager Tim Nielsen said the Strikers understood Laughlin's decision and confirmed they've signed towering NSW quick Harry Conway as his replacement.

"Ben has been a great bowler for us for a long time so we were disappointed but understood the decision," said Nielsen. "He has two young boys now and wants to spend more time closer to the family home in Noosa."

Laughlin is set to become the first bowler to take 100 Big Bash wickets this season, with his current tally of 95 the highest in the competition's eight-season history, having come at an average of 21.55 and an economy rate of 7.87.

The canny veteran, who played five ODIs and three T20s for Australia, would appear a superb fit for the Heat.

Brisbane's batting has been unstoppable at times in recent seasons, and they have added AB de Villiers to their roster for their coming season to replace former skipper Brendon McCullum, but have struggled at times to put the clamps on opposition sides with the ball.

Their home ground the Gabba is regarded as one of the best batting wickets in the country, which makes finding effective death bowlers even more important.

Despite turning 37 last month, Laughlin’s skills remain in high demand; in the last 18 months he's played in domestic T20 leagues in India, Afghanistan and the Caribbean, while he's currently taking part in the third season of the T10 League in the UAE.

A key figure in the Strikers' BBL07 title-winning team after crossing from the Hobart Hurricanes, Laughlin is also one of the competition's more athletic fielders. He famously teamed up with Jake Weatherald to complete an extraordinary boundary-line catch in BBL07 at Docklands Stadium.

Adelaide's bowling stocks remains strong despite his loss, with Afghanistan star Rashid Khan to return for BBL09 while Peter Siddle, Michael Neser and Billy Stanlake lead their pace brigade.

The Strikers will be determined to improve on their disappointing BBL08 campaign, in which they finished second-last the year after taking out the silverware.

The addition of Conway comes after the 200-centimetre quick claimed a 10-wicket match haul in the opening round of the Marsh Sheffield Shield season, while Nielsen flagged greater opportunity for the likes of Wes Agar.

"We are excited to sign Harry, we believe he has the potential to develop his T20 skills with us," Nielsen said.

"There are also more opportunities now for some of our other young bowlers including Wes Agar, Cam Valente and Nick Winter to push for selection."

The Strikers have already signed promising young English batter Phil Salt as an overseas player for BBL09, while Cameron White has crossed from the Melbourne Renegades.

Brisbane Heat squad: Chris Lynn, Tom Banton (OS), AB de Villiers (OS), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (OS), Zahir Khan (OS), Ben Laughlin, James Pattinson, Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Sam Heazlett, Matthew Renshaw, Josh Lalor, Mitch Swepson, Jack Prestwidge, Mark Steketee, Jimmy Peirson, Marnus Labuschagne.

Adelaide Strikers BBL|09 squad: Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Harry Conway, Travis Head, Rashid Khan (OS), Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Harry Nielsen, Liam O'Connor, Phil Salt (OS), Matt Short, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells, Cameron White, Nick Winter.