BBL|06 leading run-scorer jumps ship from Strikers, while Melbourne also re-sign Jackson Coleman
Big Ben a slam Dunk for Melbourne Stars
Melbourne Stars have secured the signature of two-time BBL leading run-scorer Ben Dunk on a multi-year deal.
Dunk jumps aboard the Stars from the Adelaide Strikers, where he spent one season, topping all comers in BBL|06 with 364 runs, to go with his season-high 395 runs in BBL|03 with Hobart Hurricanes.
His performances last summer earned him a call-up to Australia's T20I squad, and clearly caught the eye of the Stars powerbrokers, with the 30-year-old left-hander set to boost the Stars' already strong batting stocks.
"I'm really excited to join the Melbourne Stars," Dunk said. "It's a great opportunity to work with Stephen Fleming and new captain John Hastings.
"I'm looking forward to joining up with the squad this summer to work on our pursuit of a Big Bash League title."
The Stars have also reacquired the services of Jackson Coleman, who was with the franchise last summer as a replacement player for Hastings, who underwent surgery for a knee injury.
Coleman, a left-arm paceman, has been elevated to a full contract for BBL|07.
The 25-year-old made his List A debut for Victoria against South Australia in last year's Domestic One Day Cup, taking 3-52.
Stars Director of Cricket Trent Woodhill said the signing of Dunk and Coleman further strengthens the squad whilst also providing versatility.
"To secure the experience of Ben is really exciting. He'll obviously bolster an already strong batting line-up and to have another keeping option is a real positive," Woodhill said.
"Jackson is a young talent and his left-arm pace will provide us with greater bowling options this season. We can't wait to see how he develops this season to push for a Stars debut."
The Melbourne Stars will open its BBL|07 campaign against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on December 20.
MELBOURNE STARS BBL|07 SQUAD: John Hastings (c), Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Jackson Coleman, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Ben Hilfenhaus, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen (OS), Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Luke Wright (OS), Adam Zampa