ADELAIDE rookie Alex Keath will play for the Adelaide Strikers in this summer's Big Bash League – making him the tournament's first AFL-listed player.
Keath has previously played for the Melbourne Stars and also represented Victoria at first-class level.
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The 23-year-old was signed as a Category B rookie by the Crows but has been allowed to continue playing grade cricket for a local club, where he's averaged almost 130 runs a game in five innings. Keath smashed back-to-back centuries in November.
Keath will continue to train with the Crows, when his cricket commitments allow him to, until the BBL tournament ends.
He will become the first VFL/AFL-listed player to concurrently play state-level cricket since Carlton champion Craig Bradley played two Sheffield Shield games for Victoria in 1989-90.
South Australia Cricket Association high performance manager Tim Nielsen said the all-rounder's past experience at domestic level would hold him in good stead.
"We’re excited to have Alex on board with us this summer as he’s another all-rounder that can really put a match in our favour with either bat or ball," Nielsen said.
“There’s no question Alex has an enormous amount of talent and he’s already shown that he’s in great form with some brilliant performances opening the batting for Prospect (cricket club).
"As someone who’s already made his BBL debut with the Stars, we’re confident that he’ll provide healthy competition for a spot in our eleven and add extra depth to our side."