The Hobart Hurricanes have completed a trade ahead of BBL|07, with Matthew Wade joining the squad from the Melbourne Renegades.

Hurricanes all-rounder Beau Webster will join the Renegades in a straight swap for the wicket-keeper batsman.

Cricket Tasmania Chief Executive Nick Cummins said Wade was a welcomed addition to the squad, and would fill the hole left by vice-captain Tim Paine who will likely miss at least half of the Big Bash season playing in Australia’s Test squad.

“It’s terrific that we’ve been able to secure Matthew for the Hurricanes. He’s obviously part of the Tasmanian Tigers program this season as well so it’s great that he will be playing his cricket in Tasmania full time,” he said.

“With Tim being in the national side we’re obviously in need of a wicketkeeper, so when the opportunity to secure Matt’s services came up we were keen to pursue that.”

Wade did not play any games for the Renegades last season due to national commitments, but played five games during BBL|05.

Cummins said Webster was still a valuable part of the Tasmanian Tigers program, and that the trade to the Renegades would see increased game-time for the 23-year-old in the T20 format.

Webster played five matches for the Hurricanes in BBL|06, showcasing his talent with 67 not out against the Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide Oval.

“Beau remains a respected member of our state squad. We feel that this trade will be beneficial for him in that he will get some more exposure to Big Bash cricket with the Renegades,” Cummins said.

“We will continue to monitor his T20 development with interest and wish him all the best for BBL|07.”

BBL|07 Squad

George Bailey (C), Tim Paine (VC), Dan Christian, Hamish Kingston, Cameron Boyce, Clive Rose, Ben McDermott, Jake Reed, James Bazley, Simon Milenko, Tymal Mills, Tom Rogers, Sam Rainbird, D'Arcy Short, David Moody, Jofra Archer, Matthew Wade