Canterbury Wizards strike bowler Leighton Burtt will take the field for the Wellington Firebirds in the 2010/2011 season.

Burtt announced his decision to Canterbury Cricket CEO, Lee Germon late last week. ‘It has been a hard decision as a born and bred Cantabrian, especially with the family involvement in Canterbury Cricket over a long period of time. It is a decision based on what is in my best interests from a personal development perspective as well as cricket. I am grateful to Canterbury Cricket and my Wizards team mates for some great years on and off the field. I am now excited about making the move to a new city and cricket environment.’

Germon expressed his disappointment at the loss of Burtt for the upcoming season ‘We are obviously disappointed Leighton has chosen to move having come through the cricketing ranks here in Canterbury. He will be greatly missed by both the staff and players. He is a real personality with a great sense of humour. We wish him the very best for the upcoming season with the Firebirds.’

Burtt made his Canterbury debut during the 2005/2006 State Shield competition against Auckland where he took his first five wicket bag seeing the side to victory in just 21.4 overs. Since then Burtt has taken 123 wickets in 58 matches, including seven five wicket bags.