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Windies batsman Pooran joins BBL's Stars

3 minute read

Nicholas Pooran, who outgunned Kings XI Punjab teammate Glenn Maxwell during the recent IPL season, has signed up for a BBL stint with Melbourne Stars.

GLENN MAXWELL of Australia walks game one of the T20I Series between India and Australia at ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, India.
GLENN MAXWELL of Australia walks game one of the T20I Series between India and Australia at ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, India. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Melbourne Stars have signed West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran, who has gone from strength to strength since serving a four-game ban for ball tampering a year ago.

Pooran is one of West Indies' most exciting prospects, having already represented them in 25 ODIs and 21 Twenty20s.

The 25-year-old will serve as vice-captain during the upcoming T20 series between West Indies and New Zealand then travel to Australia and link up with his BBL franchise.

The trans-Tasman travel bubble means Pooran is likely to avoid a fortnight of hotel quarantine, with the club expecting him to be available for six matches.

The left-hander, who is also a wicketkeeping option for the Stars, is the most recent player to be found guilty of tampering at international level.

Pooran missed four T20s through suspension and apologised to teammates, supporters and the opposing team after footage showed him scratching the ball with a thumbnail during an ODI against Afghanistan in November, 2019.

More recently, Pooran scored 353 runs at 35 for Kings XI Punjab during this year's Indian Premier League.

Pooran outgunned Melbourne Stars skipper and Punjab teammate Glenn Maxwell, who managed 108 runs at 15 during the T20 tournament.

"The Melbourne Stars have a very strong team and I'm happy I can be part of that," Pooran said.

"I'm also excited to be part of the BBL and heard many good things from Glenn Maxwell. I will keep playing my natural game for the team and hope it helps get the Stars some positive results."

The Stars, who have recruited England star Jonny Bairstow, confirmed cult hero Haris Rauf won't return in 2020-21 as they prepare to announce a third international signing next week.

The 10th edition of the BBL starts on December 10.

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