Melbourne Stars target David Warner for Big Bash return

Warner, whose most recent stint in the competition came during his time with Sydney Thunder in 2013/14, has been pinpointed by Stars director of cricket Trent Woodhill

Big Bash side Melbourne Stars have approached David Warner in an attempt to sign the Australia star ahead of the upcoming season of the T20 tournament.

Warner, whose most recent stint in the competition came during his time with Sydney Thunder in 2013/14, has been targeted by Stars director of cricket Trent Woodhill.

Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Woodhill stated that the Melbourne franchise – now coached by David Hussey – would be open to offering the batsman a length of contract that suited the Australia opener in order to convince Warner to join the Stars.

"We want him. It's a just a matter of whether he is available. We are holding a spot open for him," said Woodhill.

"We definitely would like to get him with us. You want the best players playing at the MCG and there is no bigger name worldwide, including Virat Kohli, than David Warner."

^{Warner last played in the Big Bash during the 2013/14 season.}

Australia face a packed winter schedule, with series against Pakistan, New Zealand, India and South Africa between November and February.

However, breaks in the international calendar could allow Warner to take part in five Big Bash games towards the end of the competition.

Warner is good friends with Stars captain Glenn Maxwell, while Woodhill has also worked as his personal batting coach.

If he was to join Hussey and Maxwell at Melbourne, he would likely play as one of the team’s two import players.

Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane was the side’s main overseas player last year, when the Stars were beaten in the final by local rivals Melbourne Renegades.