The 23-year-old Owen will provide a boost for Freedom, whose title defence won’t include South Africa star quick Marco Jansen and dynamic Australia batter Travis Head due to Test commitments.
“Mitch Owen was selected because of his versatility. He can play in pressure situations, making an unbelievable hundred in the BBL final,” Freedom general manager Michael Klinger told me.
“He provides a style of batting that is quite similar to Travis Head, a right-handed version. We felt he’s a real good replacement. He’s at the start of a career that’s about to flourish.
“He could potentially be a long-term player for Washington Freedom. Someone we look to have a great relationship with going forward.”
Veteran left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff, who has played 12 ODIs and 17 T20Is for Australia, has also signed with Freedom.
“When we lost Jansen, we were looking for a new-ball type bowler to replace him. We felt that he’s (Behrendorff) a real good replacement,” Klinger said.
“He comes in fresh, not playing in the IPL. It is a bonus having a few international players in your squad coming in fresh.”
An expanded 34-game third edition of MLC will run from June 12-July 13.
Image courtesy: Cricket Australia
