VB Victorian Bushrangers have become second Australian team to qualify for 2009 Champions League Twenty20.

Cricket Australia congratulated VB Victorian Bushrangers on becoming the second team in the world to formally qualify for the inaugural 2009 Champions League Twenty20.

The VB Victorian Bushrangers secured their place in October’s tournament after last night’s thrilling victory over the XXXX Gold Queensland Bulls in the preliminary final of the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash.

Australia’s competing teams in this year’s tournament have now been finalised, with the VB Bushrangers joining the RTA SpeedBlitz Blues for the 8-23 October event.

As a founding member of the Champions League Twenty20, Australia is guaranteed two sides in the competition.

Cricket Australia’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Michael Brown, said:

“The VB Victorian Bushrangers have been the dominant team in the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash over the past four seasons and it’s fitting they will get an opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best domestic teams later this year.”

“Last night’s victory now confirms the two Australian representatives in the first edition of the Champions League Twenty20 and over the coming months we will look forward to seeing which teams join New South Wales and Victoria in the prestigious tournament.”

While the Blues and Bushrangers have secured their place in the Champions League Twenty20, Saturday night’s KFC Twenty20 Big Bash Final will determine which team is Australia’s Twenty20 interstate champion.

The VB Victorian Bushrangers have won each of the three KFC Twenty20 Big Bash competitions contested but the RTA SpeedBlitz Blues have the home field advantage with the match to be played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The match has added interest after today’s announcement that New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum will play for the Blues in Saturday’s night’s final. Under the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash rules, states can contract one overseas player for the tournament.