Blackcaps star Trent Boult has been selected third overall in the inaugural Big Bash League international draft.
Boult made himself available for selection for the first time, after requesting a release from his NZ Cricket contract earlier this month.
The fast bowler was one of 12 platinum players up for auction and netted a contract with Melbourne Stars worth AU$340,000 (NZ$380,000).
England's Liam Livingstone was the first overall pick to Melbourne Renegades, followed by Rashid Khan to the Stars, but the Afghanistan spinner was then retained by Adelaide Strikers, forcing the Stars to turn to Boult.
The 33-year-old will only be available to play half of the season, due to his commitment to the MI Emirates team in the new UAE-based International T20 league.
He has been selected for the Blackcaps upcoming Chappell-Hadlee one-day series against Australia, but likely won't make himself available for the tour of Pakistan in December.
Former Blackcaps opener Colin Munro was selected by Brisbane Heat in the second round of the draft, while allrounder Colin de Grandhomme was called up by Adelaide Strikers.
Due to his NZ Cricket contract, it's unclear whether De Grandhomme will be eligible to play. He hasn't featured for New Zealand since the start of the England test tour, due to heel injury.
Fellow allrounder Jimmy Neesham and retired Blackcaps great Ross Taylor both passed under the hammer.
Five of the 12 platinum players went unselected, including former Proteas star Faf du Plessis, as clubs put a strong emphasis on availability.
