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Stars snare Englishman Bairstow for BBL

3 minute read

English master blaster Jonny Bairstow will boost the Melbourne Stars' chances of breaking through for a title after signing on for the Big Bash League season.

JONNY BAIRSTOW.
 JONNY BAIRSTOW. Picture: Racing and Sports

Hard-hitting Englishman Jonny Bairstow will make his Big Bash League debut, giving the Melbourne Stars a boost at claiming a maiden title.

Last season's beaten finalists have snared the wicketkeeper-batsman, who has been a mainstay across all three formats for England.

Bairstow continues a surge of English guns to commit to the BBL for the upcoming season, joining Dawid Malan (Hobart), Jason Roy (Perth), Tom Banton (Brisbane), Tom Curran (Sydney Sixers) and Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder).

The 31-year-old will slot into a power-packed batting line-up that includes Australian white-ball players Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.

Rising Victorian star Will Pucovski, who is firming for a Test debut, will also feature in the BBL for the first time with the Stars.

"I've always watched the BBL no matter where I've been in the world and it will be nice to finally be a part of it," Bairstow said.

"I know the Stars are one of the competition's profile clubs and have a track record of being in contention in finals.

"I know Melbourne has been through a tough time over the winter with COVID so I hope the Stars can bring some of the fun back over summer and put a smile on people's faces."

Bairstow has been opening the batting with Australian star David Warner in the Indian Premier League for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

He averages 28.29 across 133 Twenty20s, with two centuries and 14 50s.

Bairstow will miss the Stars' first two games before being available for their Boxing Day clash against the Sydney Sixers at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast.

"We've got a proven track record when it comes to England batsmen - Luke Wright was one of our best-ever performers and no one will forget Kevin Pietersen's extended time in green," Stars general manager Nick Cummins said.

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