Stars bring out the big guns for MCG return

Aussie T20 World Cup hero Marcus Stoinis says he plans to return to bowling during KFC BBL|11 but hasn't set a timeline as to when that might be.

The 32-year-old is set for a return to action at the MCG on Friday against the Sydney Thunder after missing the Melbourne Stars' season opener last Sunday with a side strain.

An undermanned Stars outfit was pummelled in that match – bowled out for just 61 inside 12 overs in reply to the Sixers' 4-213.

The inclusion of Stoinis, West Indies superstar Andre Russell, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Afghanistan leg-spinner Qais Ahmad adds much needed depth – and fire power – as the Stars search for their first win of the season.

But Stoinis revealed he would not bowl during his return to the BBL.

The allrounder hasn't bowled since he sent down three overs in Australia's second T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka but hopes to be back bowling as soon as possible to help the Stars push for their maiden BBL title.

"I still think a little bit of time," Stoinis said on Thursday.

"I'll definitely be bowling in the Big Bash but I just think every time I've said a date or anything like that it puts some expectation (on it).

"It will most likely be early in the New Year but I haven't started bowling yet."

Stoinis said the Stars were desperate to rebound from last weekend's loss in front of their home fans on Friday night.

"We know we've got a good squad and we've got some big ins this week with Qais and Dre-Russ so that's really exciting," he said.

"He's (Russell) arguably one of the best T20 players in the world for an extended period of time so I don't think the boundaries here the 'G are big enough to stop him.

"Qais will be good on this wicket as well, it's big square boundaries, he bowls quite fast and he's quite experienced as a T20 bowler now.

"I don't know if the flip is still coming out but we might see a few flips if he takes a wicket."

Stoinis comes into the BBL in sparkling form with his last knock a match-winning 40 not out in the World Cup semi-final against Pakistan that got the Aussies home and into the final.

The Stars have also announced another international signing with Pakistan fast bowler Ahmad Daniyal to join the squad over the coming week.

The 24-year-old impressed in the Abu Dhabi T10 competition last month after progressing through the development program at Lahore Qalanders – the same program the produced fellow Stars quick Haris Rauf and spinner Syed Faridoun.

Daniyal arrived in Australia on Monday and will join the Stars after completing his mandatory 72-hour quarantine period.

Melbourne Stars squad: Qais Ahmad (Afghanistan), Joe Burns, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke (England), Brody Couch (replacement for Billy Stanlake), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ahmad Daniyal (Pakistan), Sam Elliott, Syed Faridoun, Liam Hatcher, Clint Hinchcliffe, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Nevill (replacement for Seb Gotch), Tom O’Connell, Sam Rainbird, Haris Rauf (Pakistan), Andre Russell (West Indies), Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa

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