The perennial Big Bash semi-finalists are out to finally break their duck and make it all the way in BBL|05
BBL|05 Preview: Melbourne Stars
Squad: Michael Beer, Scott Boland, James Faulkner, Sebastian Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, John Hastings, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey (c), Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen (OS), Robert Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Tom Triffitt, Daniel Worrall, Luke Wright (OS), Adam Zampa
Ins: Gotch, Gulbis (Hurricanes), Harper (upgrade), Hilfenhaus (Hurricanes), Zampa (Strikers)
Outs: Jackson Bird (Sixers), Luke Feldman (Heat), Alexander Keath (Strikers), Clint McKay (Thunder), Clive Rose (Hurricanes), Cameron White (Renegades)
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Master Blaster
Controversial but ultimately successful, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen is back for his second season with the Stars. The audacious right-hander topped the run charts for his team last summer with 293 runs at 41.85.
His form in the lead up to BBL|05 has been extraordinary, posting two centuries South Africa's domestic T20 competition while averaging a staggering 121. Surrounded by the strongest batting unit in the tournament, Pietersen will be doing his best to help the Stars break their semi-final hoodoo this year.
Strike Weapon
No bowler has captured more wickets in the green of the Melbourne Stars than James Faulkner. The modern master of the out-of-the-back-of-the-hand slower ball, Faulkner is marvel at T20 death bowling, limiting scoring while also taking wickets. His expertise with the ball is backed up with his destructive capabilities with the bat; a proven finisher who can clear the boundary at will when on song.
Young Gun
Peter Handscomb announced himself in the BBL last year with a stunning century to pull the Stars from absolute nowhere to beat the Perth Scorchers at the MCG. Chasing 180 to win, the Stars slumped to 4-88 in the 13th over before Handscomb went berserk, hitting five sixes including two maximums in the final over to seal the unlikely win. The 24-year-old will likely take the gloves at the start of the season and the spotlight will shine brightly on the young man this summer.
Overseas Impact
Melbourne are set to feature not one but two Englishmen in their top order this summer. Pietersen is set to bat in the top four behind Luke Wright, the Stars all-time leading run-scorer. Wright has been a revelation since he was promoted to open the innings in BBL|02 and along with Handscomb is the only Star to score a BBL century. Although he is a more than capable bowler, Wright has ditched the bowling spikes to concentrate on his batting, and it's paid off.
Surprise Packet
At his best, Glenn Maxwell can do this.
At the other end, this can sometimes happen.
Just which Maxi we will get is what makes him so damn entertaining!
Fantasy Bargain
At only $30,000, Marcus Stoinis is a lock. He bats, bowls and will play every match. Do yourself a favour and get him in.