Twenty20 record breaker Graham Napier will be part of the State Wellington Firebirds lineup as they head into the 2008/09 domestic cricket season.
Napier returns to the Firebirds after being drafted in mid way through last season as a replacement for countryman Charlie Shrek who was called to international representative duties.
Napier has since achieved prominence in England's domestic Twenty20 Cup in which his outstanding season was recognised with the PCA MVP Award.
During the competition Napier, playing for home county Essex, wrote his name in the record books with a record 152 not out from 58 balls against Sussex, a knock which included a world record 16 sixes.
“We are thrilled to have secured the services of a player of Graham’s ability who has established himself as a major talent." said Cricket Wellington Chief Executive Gavin Larsen.
Napier arrives in Wellington in early November and is contracted through to the end of the State Twenty20 Final on 1 March. He will also play club cricket in Wellington for Hutt Districts.
Head coach Anthony Stuart said "Graham’s involvement is a huge boost for the State Wellington Firebirds and a major drawcard for cricket fans in Wellington.
"He’s a dynamic all-rounder who proved in the recent English Twenty20 competition that he is a true match winner."
