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First year Hurricane Peter Handscomb to lead side in BBL|10 in Matthew Wade’s absence

In his first match for the Hobart Hurricanes a newcomer will also assume captaincy duties, having been appointed to stand-in while Matthew Wade is on national duties. THE LATEST >>

PETER Handscomb will have little time to adjust to life as a Hobart Hurricane after also being handed the captaincy for his Big Bash debut for the franchise.

The former Melbourne Star, one of the biggest free agents on the market ahead of BBL|10, only joined his new teammates on Monday ahead of the side’s first match tonight against Sydney Sixers.

Ben McDermott’s decision to stand down from vice captaincy duties — he led in Matthew Wade’s absence last summer — left Handscomb as the logical choice to fill the void while Wade is again away on Test duties.

New Hurricane Peter Handscomb will captain the side on his debut against Sydney Sixers Picture: RICHARD JUPE
New Hurricane Peter Handscomb will captain the side on his debut against Sydney Sixers Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Fellow new recruit Colin Ingram skippered his former franchise Adelaide at times during his stint with the Strikers but with the South African only playing the first half of the tournament, Handscomb was appointed Wade’s deputy.

“I’m obviously new to the group, but I know that it’s not just a really talented bunch of cricketers we have here, but a great bunch of guys,” Handscomb said.

“A lot of them are very experienced cricketers in their own right, so I don’t think they will need too much help from me, but I’m always happy to help, be that on or off the field, when required.

Coach Adam Griffith described his new recruit as a natural fit for the role.

Peter Handscomb in action for the Melbourne Stars (AAP Image/Hamish Blair)
Peter Handscomb in action for the Melbourne Stars (AAP Image/Hamish Blair)

“We have a lot of experienced and talented recruits at the club this year, and it’s great that someone like Pete already feels comfortable in our environment to step up and take on the captaincy in Wadey’s absence,” he said.

“We’re fortunate to have a lot of leaders in our wider group, and so I am confident Pete will have all the support he needs as he leads us through the initial phase of this unique season.”

adam.j.smith@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/first-year-hurricane-peter-handscomb-to-lead-side-in-bbl10-in-matthew-wades-absence/news-story/80780ff24702c319408aa666847d92db