The Sydney Sixers will welcome back Kent all-rounder Joe Denly for the eighth season of the KFC Big Bash League.

Denly, a right-handed batter and leg-spin bowler, returns in magenta having played four games with the Sixers last summer.

The 32-year-old is the Sixers’ first overseas signing with one spot left still available for an international recruit.

Denly was named the most valuable player in England’s domestic T20 competition playing for Kent and achieved the rare feat of scoring a century and taking a hat-trick in the same match.”

“The Big Bash has always been a competition that I’ve wanted to play in and I’m very proud to be part of it,” Denly said.

“I had a ball of it last time and I’m looking forward to it again this year.”

The Sixers have seven spots available on their roster for BBL|08, with John Hastings the only new face to sign with the inaugural champions.

Sixers coach Greg Shipperd is excited to have Denly back at Moore Park this summer.

“He made and incredible impression within our group as an opener, but also offers us another spin bowling option,” Shipperd said.

“Having watched Joe’s form in domestic cricket in England, it’s clear he is at the top of his game right now. He is an all-round package that we are extremely excited about.”

Sydney Sixers current squad: Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Joe Denly (England), Mickey Edwards, John Hastings, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Peter Nevill, Stephen O’Keefe, Henry Thornton.