LANCASHIRE spinner Stephen Parry has signed to play in the Big Bash League with Brisbane Heat.

The left-armer will replace New Zealander Daniel Vettori, who is linking up with the Black Caps, as one of the Heat’s overseas players.

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Parry, 28, was a key member of the Lancashire side who reached the final of the T20 Blast domestic competition this season.

He has played two one-day internationals and three T20 international for England, but will now gain valuable experience in Australia’s franchise competition, which has attracted huge crowds to games this season.

Vettori will play his last game against the Perth Scorchers at the WACA on Thursday before heading off to start World Cup preparations with his country ahead of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, which begins in February.

Parry will arrive in Brisbane later this week and could make his debut in the Heat’s home game against the Sydney Sixers at the Gabba on Sunday night.

It will be a Red Rose reunion for Parry, who will play alongside the Heat’s other overseas player, Andrew Flintoff, while the franchise are coached by former Lancashire captain Stuart Law.

Ashley Giles, Lancashire’s cricket director and head coach, said: “This is a good move for Stephen who will gain valuable experience playing in such a high profile competition.”

His haul of 5-17 in a one-day game against Surrey in 2013 was the second best figures ever recorded by a Lancs bowler while he took 3-32 for England against the West Indies in the same year in a man of the match performance. He has signed for three matches and is available for any finals appearances.

Heat coach Law said he was pleased to sign another quality slow bowler for the remainder of the tournament to replace the experienced Vettori, who has appeared in 280 one-day internationals and 113 Test matches for New Zealand.

“He’s a good lad and a seasoned competitor for Lancashire,’’ Law said. “He’s a solid all-round cricketer so we expect him to slot in and play a similar role as the one Dan performed for us.”

Parry, who was born in Audenshaw, Manchester, played in three County Championship matches for the Red Rose last season, taking four wickets and scoring 98 runs.

He also appeared in four one-day matches and 15 T20 matches. During the summer he also represented the England Lions side.

Parry will be available for the Heat’s home games against the Sixers and the Hobart Hurricanes, and for the game against Melbourne Renegades.