It’s fair to say it’s been an interesting few days for Brisbane Heat pace bowler Cameron Gannon.
Just days after surviving a run-in with an angry snake on a Brisbane golf course, Gannon has re-signed with the Heat for next summer’s Big Bash League Twenty20 competition.
The leading wicket-taker in last summer’s BBL, Gannon nearly didn’t get the opportunity to sign his new deal.
The 25-year-old was taking part in a charity golf day when a stray shot resulted in a run-in with a large black snake.
“I was just off the fairway looking for my ball and virtually stepped on it,” Gannon said.
“It struck at me twice and Boycey (leg-spinner Cameron Boyce) reckoned he had never seen me move so fast. It certainly made the putt interesting when I got to the green.”
Gannon’s day was made more memorable when he then bought a raffle ticket and ended up winning a five-day golfing holiday to China.
Retaining Gannon is a big plus for the Heat after the towering 199cm quick claimed a tournament-best 18 wickets at 11.94 last summer, four more scalps than his nearest rival.
Gannon is the latest addition to a Heat squad which already includes batsman Nathan Reardon, wicketkeeper James Peirson and fellow quicks Nick Buchanan and Mark Steketee.
Gannon’s fine form last summer was justification for the lanky Queenslander, who had to have his bowling action cleared after being banned for an illegal action following the 2013 Sheffield Shield final .
“Ganno wanted to prove a few things to us and to himself, and he applied himself admirably,” Heat coach Stuart Law said.
“The results he enjoyed were a fitting reward for his hard work and self belief. It’s great to have him in the squad again this summer.”