Lloyd Pope has a Big Bash team

Australian leg-spin prodigy Lloyd Pope has found a home in the Big Bash League, with the Sydney Sixers announcing his signing on Wednesday afternoon.

Pope has shot to fame in cricketing circles over the last year following a brilliant performance in the under 19 World Cup and a breakout bowling performance in the Sheffield Shield just a few weeks ago.

Pope took eight wickets in a stunning performance against England in the quarter-finals of the World Cup while he recently became the youngest player in the history of Sheffield Shield cricket to take a seven-wicket haul, playing in the Round 2 match for South Australia against Queensland.

While consistency is still yet to be found in a short career, Pope has shown enough talent to know the prospects of a big career ahead.

Australia have been without a consistent leg-spinner since the days of Shane Warne and there is real hype around Pope that he could become the national team’s next spinner.

Head coach Greg Shipperd said it was an exciting development for the team.

“The Sixers are very pleased to have signed promising leg spinner Lloyd Pope,” said Shipperd

“With spin an increasing weapon in T20, we have decided to bolster our options in this area and Lloyd has provided excellent results in his short career so far. We look forward to him joining our squad.

“I commend the SA supportive approach to our plan to sign Lloyd and trust that we will provide a suitable environment for his and our team progression.”

Warne himself has said Pope is a good prospect for international cricket and, if he is to continue taking wickets, the man with more than 700 Test wickets would like to see his name elevated straight away.

The Sixers begin their season against the Perth Scorchers at home on December 22.