Are the Stars Ready to Reach for the Sky?

A defeat in the final against city rivals Renegades will hurt.  The pain will be intensified when considering they had one hand on the trophy with Renegades floundering at 5-65 past the halfway mark of their innings.  The Renegades found a way with bat then ball to thwart the Stars.

This season presents the opportunity to demonstrate their ability. A squad consisting of quality like Glenn Maxwell, Sandeep Lamichhane and Marcus Stoinis suggests silverware is possible. 

The addition of Dale Steyn, the iconic South African quick, could be the element that separates last year’s defeat and a more positive outcome.

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The news that Glenn Maxwell is back after a period away from cricket is an enormous fillip. Maxwell’s creativity in shot making, at a strike rate of 154.94 in T20s, is difficult to replace.

Furthermore, Maxwell’s captaincy is inspiring at times. With a game built for the BBL, it’s good for the Stars and neutral fans to see Maxwell back.

Before Steyn joins the Stars, England international Pat Brown will feature. The fast bowler has excelled in England’s domestic T20 competition over the last two years.

It has also led to a call up by his country.  Brown regularly bowls the death overs and has the game to add value to the Stars.

The bowling unit has been improved with Nathan Coulter-Nile making the move from the Scorchers. Coulter-Nile took 14 wickets in BBL08, at an economy rate of 7.45, as the Stars look for a wicket-taker to replace DJ Bravo.

Lamichhane and Adam Zampa’s leg spin brought both wickets and lower economy rates last season. More of the same will set the Stars towards the finals. Jackson Coleman and Tom O’Connell will hope to get more exposure this term.

Marcus Stoinis had a phenomenal season in BBL08 with 533 runs and 14 wickets but Australia’s mini tour of India make rob the Stars of their ace all-rounder this time out.

Peter Handscomb may not have the same problem; an average of 21.44 last year is not indicative of his ability and the batter will be looking to make amends.

The Stars go into BBL09 with a new head coach. David Hussey has replaced Stephen Fleming and brings a new mindset to the coaching set up.

A new strategy, plus the coaching nous of Trent Woodhill, could be key to the Stars making amends.

Squad

Pat Brown (Eng), Hilton Cartwright, Jackson Coleman, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ben Dunk, Seb Gotch, Peter Handscomb, Clint Hinchliffe, Sandeep Lamichhane (Nep), Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell (Captain), Jonathan Merlo, Lance Morris, Tom O’Connell, Dale Steyn (SA), Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa

Fixtures