Jordan Buckingham signs a deal with BBL franchise
The pacer is from South Africa
Rising star Jordan Buckingham, a pace bowler from South Australia, has secured his first Big Bash contract. He’ll be suiting up for the Adelaide Strikers in the upcoming BBL 14.
Despite not yet playing a professional Twenty20 match, Jordan Buckingham isn’t a stranger to the Big Bash. He was previously a replacement player for the Adelaide Strikers in BBL|12 and part of the Brisbane Heat’s championship run in BBL|13.
The 24-year-old has inked a one-year deal with the Strikers, filling the gap left by Wes Agar’s trade to the Sydney Thunder. This trade also involved swapping second-round draft picks.
Also Read: Ruth Johnston to play for Tasmania and Hobart Hurricanes in WBBL10
Drawing comparisons to former coach Jason Gillespie for his bowling style, Buckingham has seen a rapid rise in South Australia. He took a crucial 4-wicket haul on debut in their final 2021-22 Sheffield Shield match, helping them snap a 16-game winless streak.
Since moving from Victoria, the right-arm quick has capitalized on his chance, grabbing 63 wickets in just 18 first-class games. His impressive performances continued with the Australia A team and the Prime Minister’s XI last year, where he bagged impressive hauls of 6-58 against New Zealand A and 5-80 against Pakistan.
Buckingham has also shown promise in limited-overs cricket, taking a dominant 6-41 against Queensland in the Marsh One-Day Cup this February. This performance even earned him a spot in the Cricket Australia Team of the Tournament.
“I’m pumped to be back in the blue jersey for a full season,” Buckingham said.
“I have learned so much in my time with South Australia and to represent the Strikers at the best ground in the world is going to be amazing.
“Thank you so much to the Heat for everything they have done for me, it was so great to be with that group last season and I am really appreciative of that opportunity.”
The Adelaide Strikers’ assistant coach, Ryan Harris, praised the signing of Buckingham, calling him a valuable asset to their BBL|14 squad. Buckingham joins fellow South Australians
Brendan Doggett and James Bazley as the Strikers’ contracted fast bowlers for the upcoming season.
“We have all seen the talent that Jordan possesses, and we know he has a bright future ahead,” Harris said.
“His work ethic and hunger to learn make him a valuable addition to the squad and someone who will contribute in ways that go beyond the field of play.”
This news coincides with all eight Big Bash clubs gearing up for BBL|14. Player nominations for the overseas draft just opened on Monday.
The Strikers’ trade for Wes Agar boosted their second-round draft pick, giving them two selections between picks 5 and 12.
A weighted lottery to determine the official BBL draft order is expected next month, with the draft itself happening in September.
