BIG-hitting Isle of Wight cricketer Adam Hose got his new T20 adventure Down Under off to a losing start, but showed how very handy he was with the bat.

The Island-born Warwickshire player, who grew up in Rookley, smashed 36 runs from just 21 deliveries playing on his competitive debut for the Wellington Firebirds at Northern Districts in New Zealand's Burger King Super Smash in Hamilton yesterday (Saturday). 

After being set a total of 215-6 from their 20 overs, the Firebirds were bowled out for 170 from 18.1 overs.

Hose, 26, who had a productive season for the Birmingham Bears T20 side last season, also took a catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell for 29 in the middle order.

The Islander, who joined the Bears last year and who has scored 670 runs across his first two Vitality Blast T20 campaigns, joined the Firebirds in November — following in the footsteps of England all-rounder Chris Woakes, who played for them in the 2012-13 season. 

Hose joined the Firebirds on December 16 and will remain in New Zealand for the tournament for eight weeks, depending on the Firebirds' success in it.

During his time in New Zealand, Hose said he aims to explore the country, as well as play plenty of golf. 

Adam’s grounding as a young cricketer on the Island, with Ventnor Cricket Club, and the support from the Isle of Wight Cricket Board, helped him develop into a top player, as others from the Island have done, such as former Ventnor team-mate, spinner Danny Briggs, who is established in the Sussex first team.