BBL 2019-20 team preview, squad, predictions: Melbourne Stars

Melbourne Stars have made it to the semi-finals in seven out of the eight BBL editions, but have reached the final only twice and have lost on both occasions, to Sydney Thunder in 2015-16 and to Melbourne Renegades in 2018-19.

The second final deserves particular mention, for at one point the Stars needed 53 in 43 balls with all 10 wickets standing. Then they lost 7 for 19 in 5 overs and conceded the match.

The Stars already had Nathan Coulter-Nile and Adam Zampa on board. Now, bolstered by the acquisition of Dale Steyn (who will be replaced by Pat Brown after 6 matches) and Sandeep Lamichhane, the Stars now boast of an excellent bowling attack. Jackson Bird and Scott Boland will probably not be missed.

Their fortune will also depend on the availability of Glenn Maxwell, who, having taken a break from competitive cricket citing mental health, has enlisted himself for the IPL auctions. If Maxwell does not play, Ben Dunk and Nic Maddinson will have to shoulder extra responsibility. There is also the ubiquitous Marcus Stoinis, arguably the most important cricketer in the history of the Stars.

Key players

Adam Zampa: Australia’s go-to spinner in limited-overs cricket is likely to play a key role for the Stars in this edition. Zampa’s variations and guile has helped him thrive on these pitches; this season is unlikely to be an exception.

Marcus Stoinis: With over a thousand runs and 33 wickets, Stoinis has probably been the most crucial in the history of the Stars. He will have to step up, especially if Maxwell does not play.

Pat Brown: Brown made it to the New Zealand tour last month after he impressed the English cricket fraternity with his death bowling. He will have a major role to play as replacement for Steyn once the latter leaves after 6 matches.

Melbourne Stars squad

Domestic: Glenn Maxwell (c), Nick Larkin, Adam Zampa, Nic Maddinson, Hilton Cartwright, Marcus Stoinis, Clint Hinchliffe, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jonathan Merlo, Ben Dunk, Peter Handscomb, Seb Gotch, Lance Morris, Daniel Worrall, Jackson Coleman, Tom O’Connell.

Overseas: Dale Steyn, Pat Brown (replacement for Steyn), Sandeep Lamichhane.

Coach: David Hussey.

Prediction

A spot in the top four.