Professional singer and guitarist Jack Wood, who boasts Johnny Cash in his repertoire, is now aiming to cash in on another Big Bash League chance with the Brisbane Heat.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The 27-year-old allrounder, who bowls left-arm wrist spin and bats right-hand, is known to give it an almighty wallop.
After three seasons in BBL exile and a mountain of runs around Australia in various short-form competitions, the country music exponent has earned another contract after a debut season in 2020-21.
The clincher was his starring role in Ipswich's championship win in the latest T20 Max competition where Wood scored 337 runs at an average of 56.17.
"Three years ago, playing BBL it was all a blur. I can't remember my debut it went that fast, but I learnt a lot," Wood told AAP.
"I lost my contract because of my performances but a lot of players go through that. I am just buzzing to be back around it and I feel like I have a lot more experience behind me. I feel ready.
"I knew I was a good chance of another contract after I went well in Darwin and the T20 Max here in Brisbane."
Last season the cricket journeyman played for Port Adelaide and shone in T20 cricket for Randwick in Sydney this year. Wood also played two winters in Darwin.
Music is his other passion.
"I have been doing solo gigs full-time for about two years now and I play a bit of everything," he said.
"I spent quite a bit of time in Darwin where there is a lot of country music and I've fallen in love with that music lately.
"I have got a bit of Johnny Cash in the repertoire."
Wood said Oklahoma's country music singer-songwriter Zach Bryan and US folk-pop artist Noah Kahan were two of his favourites.
"I could always sing and wanted to do something with it," he said.
"Doing the gigs is a great escape from cricket. You can have a bad day playing cricket and still jump on the guitar and have a good night."
In his previous incarnation as a Heat player, Wood was selected primarily as a spinner. He took two wickets on debut against Melbourne Stars, including the dangerous Glenn Maxwell.
"This time around I have been signed predominantly for my batting so it is funny how the game can change around," he said.
"I've been watching Travis Head and the way he does what he does is pretty impressive so the more I can play like him the better."
The Heat open their BBL season at the Gabba on Thursday night against the Melbourne Stars.
Australian Associated Press
More from Cricket
DAILY
Your morning news
Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
