Worcestershire and England seamer Pat Brown will head to the BBL next month to join the Melbourne Stars and replace Dale Steyn when his stint ends in early January.

His first game is likely to be against Sydney Thunder on January 8 and he is available for eight group games in 18 days before the knockout stages if the Stars reach that far.

Although just 21, Brown has a burgeoning reputation in T20 following two successful seasons for Worcestershire in the T20 Blast. He made his England debut in the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Friday.

The wicket he took in that match was his 50th in T20 cricket in 37 matches at an average of 19.90. His economy rate is 8.15 but that is more impressive given he often operates in tough overs at the death.

"I've signed for the last eight games, replacing Dale Steyn, an absolute legend, so no big shoes to fill there then," Brown told the Worcestershire website. "It's going to be nice to test and challenge myself in different conditions against different players and as an overseas player.

"I will go out fairly early, a couple of weeks early, to get bedded in and trained up ready."

Before the BBL, Brown will play the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament for Karnataka Tuskers following the series in New Zealand.

The Stars' other overseas player is Nepal legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane. Glenn Maxwell is the captain although his participation is uncertain following the decision to step away from the game for mental health reasons.