Kerr cashes in with fresh BBL deal, nominates for IPL draft

Hayden Kerr, the BBL|11 breakout star and hero of the Challenger final, has signed a new three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers after throwing his hat in the ring for the IPL 'mega auction'.

The Sixers' hopes of a three-peat would almost certainly be dashed if not for Kerr, who finished 98 not out in Wednesday night's drama-laden victory over the Adelaide Strikers at the SCG.

Kerr, accustomed to batting at No.8 for the Sixers, had previously tallied 77 runs at 11 from 11 BBL innings with a top score of 22.

The allrounder, named in the league's team of the tournament on account of his bowling with 24-wickets at 14.79 and an economy of 7.55, usually bats at No.8 but was promoted to open for the depleted Sixers.

The BBL has struggled to capture the imagination this season but Kerr, who was poised to switch focus to physiotherapy and grade cricket if this summer didn't work out, is an example of its potency as a platform.

The 25-year-old, who rejected interest from BBL rivals to sign a contract extension on the eve of Friday's final, could yet be a bargain selection at what is tipped to be a record-breaking IPL auction because of the addition of two new franchises.

"I just put myself in for the absolute minimum amount," Kerr told AAP.

"Hopefully there's an opportunity there if someone needs a back-up bowler, allrounder or something like that.

"You never know if there's a few injuries, hopefully the innings last night has helped cement my spot as an allrounder.

"Definitely not expecting a whole lot on that front."

Kerr's head is still spinning after carrying his bat to help Sydney haul in a target of 168.

"I'm not really a very active Twitter person or anything but I do have an account and saw Marnus Labuschagne reached out, made some comments on my innings. Gilly (Adam Gilchrist) as well," he said.

"That's pretty cool. It (the innings) just plants the seed of belief that I do belong here.

"I've always struggled with that.

"Because I probably averaged seven or eight, I'd hate to see the Fox Cricket statistics when I walk out to bat.

"I don't think the impact of what it might have – for the future – has really sunk in."

Kerr, who clattered a pressure-laden six off Wednesday night's third last ball, was thrilled to recommit to the Sixers before the BBL's contract embargo period started.

"It's nice to have a bit of security going into the next few years and I'm happy to stay at home too," he said.

"There were a few clubs showing interest, it was good to hear what they said.

"I went with my gut and stuck with the Sixers."

Meanwhile, the Perth Scorchers have moved to lock into two more of their key players on long-term deals, with Ashton Agar and Aaron Hardie both extending their stays with the club.

Agar has signed a three-year deal taking him through to BBL|14, while allrounder Hardie has signed on for another two summers.

The 28-year-old Agar has been outstanding in BBL|11 after being dropped from Australia's T20 playing XI during their World Cup run last November, with 17 wickets at 21.71 and an economy of 6.83, while also contributing 118 runs at a strike-rate of 147.50.

"I've loved my time at the Scorchers and they've looked after me really well over the past 10 years. I was out of contract and it was time to make a decision on what my future looked like. I'm really happy to be staying at home with my family and friends and enjoying another few Perth summers," Agar said.

"It's been a lot of fun and an absolute privilege to take on the role as a bit more of a senior player and leader in this group. I've been lucky enough to have a lot of experience playing international cricket and a lot of Big Bash and T20 cricket around the world.

"We have a lot of good young players in our squad and I look forward to helping them as much as I can, not that they need too much help at the moment."

BBL|11 Final

Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers

Friday, January 28, Marvel Stadium, 7.40pm

Seven, Fox Cricket, Kayo and SEN