If Keemo Paul's love for Ricky Ponting is anything to go by, he'll be a sure-fire hit at the Hurricanes.
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The 22-year-old West Indian international is set to make his BBL debut in Saturday morning's home clash with Melbourne Renegades after joining up with the squad on Wednesday.
A bowling all-rounder who is capable of clearing the fence, Paul was an unused member of the Delhi Capitals side that made it to this year's Indian Premier League final.
If selected, Paul will call on learnings from Ponting - his coach at the Capitals - in what will be his first game on Australian soil.
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"He's definitely been one of my favourites also since I've been working with him," Paul said of the former Australian skipper.
"It's just fantastic man, the energy he brings and the confidence he instils in you, that's something that has really helped me through.
"I learned a few tricks from him in IPL - he helped me with some stuff, with my batting especially, and I just want to make him proud whenever I get the chance.
"It's a big opportunity and I just want to go out and do my best."
Born in Guyana, South America, Paul has represented the West Indies across all three formats since 2018 and is already familiar with several names at the Hurricanes.
Paul was coached by John Botha while playing for Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League and was teammates with Colin Ingram at Delhi in 2019.
He has spent two days training with his new teammates at Bellerive Oval and labelled the facilities "absolutely fantastic".
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"I've had a good couple of days with the guys now and I'm super excited," he said.
"This'll be my first time in the BBL - I've been a big fan, I've been looking at it from home and my Dad's also a big fan so to be playing here will be an absolute pleasure and a dream come true.
"I never thought this day would come so early in my career so it's a big opportunity."
The Hurricanes have had success with West Indian bowling all-rounders in the past, with Jofra Archer, who now plays for England, starring in his two seasons at the club.
Saturday's game is at 11.10am at Bellerive Oval.
HURRICANES SQUAD
- Scott Boland, Johan Botha, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, James Faulkner, Peter Handscomb, Colin Ingram, Will Jacks, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, David Moody, Mitchell Owen, Wil Parker, Keemo Paul, D'Arcy Short, Charlie Wakim, Nick Winter, Macalister Wright