Axed Blackcaps opener Martin Guptill's first stop on the global T20 circuit will be Australia's Big Bash, after signing with the Melbourne Renegades.
The veteran was left out of New Zealand's squads for the T20 and ODI series against India, with young-gun Finn Allen preferred at the top of the order.
Guptill responded by quitting his NZ Cricket contract to explore options overseas, and has quickly been snapped up.
The 36-year-old will call Melbourne home for the summer, having replaced No.1 draft pick Liam Livingstone, who withdrew from the tournament.
Guptill joins fellow Kiwis Trent Boult (Melbourne Stars), Colin de Grandhomme (Adelaide Strikers) and Colin Munro (Brisbane Heat) in the Big Bash.
He is looking forward to experiencing the much-loved event, having had a taste of it in a one-off cameo a decade ago for the Sydney Thunder.
"This is a new challenge for me, and it will be nice to call Melbourne home for the summer," Guptill said.
"I'll be trying to make as many runs as I can to help drive the Renegades back up the ladder and push for team success.
"I've crossed paths with a few of the guys over the years on the international circuit and know this will be a great team environment to be part of."
