Pat Brown: Worcestershire's England T20 fast bowler signs Melbourne Stars Big Bash deal

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Pat Brown has taken two wickets in his first three T20 internationals for England this week

Worcestershire's England T20 paceman Pat Brown will join Australian Big Bash League side Melbourne Stars in January.

The 21-year-old will replace Dale Steyn when he leaves to join up South Africa for one-day matches against England.

Brown, who is currently on tour in New Zealand with England, was the leading wicket-taker in the 2018 T20 Blast with 31 and claimed 17 wickets this year.

He made his England T20 debut last week against New Zealand and has so far taken two wickets in three appearances.

Brown was originally lined up to sign for Melbourne a year ago, only to be sidelined by a back injury.

"I first saw Pat playing in the 2018 Vitality Blast competition," Stars list manager Trent Woodhill . "We were hoping to sign him last season, but his injury curtailed it.

"We think he has the skill set to be a success in the BBL. His selection for England is testament to the regard he is held in this form of the game."

Brown is also scheduled to play in the T10 tournament in Abu Dhabi (15-24 November) once England's final two T20 internationals with New Zealand (8 and 10 November) are over.