BILLY Stanlake is expecting a number of the smaller English grounds to provide him with a stern challenge during this summer's Vitality Blast.

Thankfully the giant Australian fast bowler, who has signed up for Yorkshire to compete in the competition, is used to performing in such circumstances.

Last month he was involved in an incredible T20 international against New Zealand at the postage stamp Eden Park venue, when 488 runs were scored in just 38.5 overs.

The Kiwis posted 243-6 before the Aussies replied with 245-5, winning with seven balls remaining. In the circumstances, Stanlake's 1-43 from four overs was quite respectable.

"I've seen a few bits here and there of the Blast on TV and heard things from some boys who have been before," said the 23-year-old Queenslander.

"The grounds seem to be a bit smaller than they are in Australia – but that will be a great challenge for me.

"I've had a bit of practice on small grounds over at Eden Park. That's probably stood me in good stead. Hopefully we don't see 240 against us at Yorkshire!

"Coming over there is going to be a good learning experience for me and hopefully I get a lot out of it."

Last season's Blast at Emerald Headingley saw Ross Whiteley of Worcestershire hit six sixes in an over and Yorkshire post a record 260-4 in a win over Northamptonshire, including Adam Lyth's stunning 161.

It is fair to say it was a batsman's paradise. Yet Stanlake, who measures in at 6ft 8in, remains undeterred and said: "Bowlers are still important in this format.

"If you have a strong bowling attack who can restrict the runs and take wickets at the same time, that's where teams find themselves winning lots of games."

Stanlake should know that more than most, having just been part of a Big Bash-winning side with Adelaide Strikers alongside bowlers such as Ben Laughlin and Afghanistan leg-spin sensation Rashid Khan.

But back to that incredible night in Auckland recently.

"It was a strange game and one of the most enjoyable I've ever played in, even though balls were going everywhere," said Stanlake.

"I remember we were out in the field and sixes were going everywhere. The crowd was like a soccer crowd, it was that loud.

"But all of us out in the field were just laughing. It had got to that stage. Even though we were getting smacked around, we were having a great time.

"We actually walked off at halfway and we all just believed 'we can get these runs' – and we did."

Australia then went on to beat New Zealand at Eden Park again in the tri-series final, with England having failed to qualify.

"Australia haven't been great in this format recently, so to win the competition was fantastic," said Stanlake.

"To close it out on New Zealand's home turf, where we haven't been great recently, made it all the more special."