Stars out for first title

Melbourne always competitive but yet to taste victory

What’s their Big Bash pedigree?

The Stars have never finished lower than 4^th yet have yet to take the main prize. Melbourne were runners-up in BBL|05, losing to Sydney Thunder by three wickets.

The Stars have dominated the Melbourne derby – a fixture that saw 80,883 people come through the gates of the MCG in BBL|05 - defeating the Renegades in eight of their 11 contests.

Who’s in charge? 

The coach: Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is at the helm. Fleming has also held a role with the Chennai Super Kings since 2008.

The skipper: John ‘The Duke’ Hastings will lead the Stars in BLL|07, having taken over the role from David Hussey. Hastings is the Stars’ leading wicket-taker in the competition with 40.

“I’m very honoured to be the captain of the Melbourne Stars. We have a great Club and I can’t wait to pull the green shirt back on this summer and lead the team,” Hastings said.

“We have built a great culture at the Club. I’m especially looking forward to building on it and strengthening it with Stephen Fleming and the coaching panel.”

Who are the big names?

The Stars have added some extra batting by bringing in BBL|06’s leading run-scorer Ben Dunk in from the Adelaide Strikers. Dunk joins an already impressive line-up with the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Rob Quiney, Peter Handscomb and Marcus Stoinis.

Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright continue their association with the Stars as the two overseas players. The pair represent the Stars’ all-time leading run-scorers with 884 at 40.1 and 1,397 at 30.36 respectively. Wright has hit two hundreds with his 117 against Hobart Hurricanes the highest in BBL history.

Scott Boland (14) and Ben Hilfenhaus (13) were the main wicket-takers last year while Adam Zampa and Michael Beer kept things tight.

What chance do they have this year?

With the talent in the squad, Melbourne will be looking to challenge again and end their run of six trophyless years.

Squad

John Hastings*, Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Jackson Coleman, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Ben Hilfenhaus, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen, Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Dan Worrall, Luke Wright, Adam Zampa.

MORE BIG BASH

• Scorchers look to continue hot streak
• Strikers aim to end barren run
• Thunder seeking to repeat underdog triumph of BBL|05
• Sixers look to bounce back from last year's final defeat
• Brisbane's 'Bash Brothers' back in action