AJ Tye Leaves BBL, Inks Two-Year Contract with Yorkshire
Andrew ‘AJ’ Tye, former Australian fast bowler, has signed a two-year contract with Yorkshire. This deal marks the conclusion of his remarkable career in the Big Bash League (BBL). Tye’s impressive statistics in the BBL include 162 wickets at an average of 20.81 over 119 matches since the 2014 season.
A Record in the BBL
At 39 years old, Tye secured his spot as one of the all-time leading wicket-takers in the BBL, second only to Sean Abbott. Known for his effective knuckleball, Tye has also represented Australia in 39 white-ball matches from 2018 to 2021, with a tally of 59 wickets, including 47 in 32 T20 Internationals.
Impact in the Big Bash League
- Matches Played: 119 BBL matches
- Wickets Taken: 162 wickets
- Average: 20.81
- Part of 4 title-winning campaigns with Perth Scorchers
Despite his prior success, Tye faced limited opportunities with the Melbourne Renegades this season, where he managed only one wicket in two appearances. Reflecting on his decision, he acknowledged the need for a change, stating, “Having known that my opportunities were starting to dry up a little bit… it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
New Beginnings with Yorkshire
Tye’s British passport, inherited from his parents, facilitated this transition. His move echoes Jake Lehmann’s recent signing with Hampshire, also as a locally-registered player, marking a significant shift for both cricketers. Tye expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity, noting the chance for his family to connect with their English heritage.
Joining the Yorkshire Team
“It’s a real privilege to be signing for Yorkshire,” Tye commented. He emphasized his excitement about joining a club with a strong tradition of Australian players. Tye is eager to contribute his experience, stating, “I know I can add some real depth of experience to the side.”
Yorkshire’s Perspective
Gavin Hamilton, the General Manager of Cricket at Yorkshire, voiced his excitement about Tye’s signing. He remarked, “AJ is a brilliant signing for us and furthers our aim of complementing the youth of our core squad with proven T20 know-how and experience.”
Yorkshire hopes Tye’s experience will enhance their performance in the Vitality Blast, a tournament crucial to their supporters. Hamilton added, “AJ’s variations make him a very dangerous player, and he will be a key voice in helping the development of our squad accelerate even further.”
