A Chinese spinner who got his start in cricket watching Shane Warne videos on Youtube has earned a rookie contract with the Sydney Sixers.
The Big Bash League franchise has broken new ground, signing Ming Li for the 2015-16 season.
He is believed to be the first Chinese player to sign with a major cricketing franchise.
He became the first player from his country to take the field in a T20 match when he turned out for Hong Kong against Afghanistan during the 2012 ICC World Cup Qualifiers.
The 24-year-old is unlikely to play a game during this season's Big Bash tournament however the Sixers were hailing his recruitment as a watershed for the growth of the sport.
He first picked up a ball in 2004 and credits watching online videos of his idol Warne as fuelling his love of the game.
"I intend to make the best of this rare opportunity," he said on Monday.
"My aim is to be one of the leading cricketers for Hong Kong and I look forward to the challenges this experience will provide, which I know will go a long way in helping me achieve my cricketing goals."
