- Name: Melbourne Stars
- Captain: Glenn Maxwell
- Head Coach: David Hussey
- Home Ground: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Victoria
- Squad members: 17 (15 + 2 overseas)
- Best result: Runners-up in BBL 2015/16, 2018/19, 2019/20
- BBL 2020/21 result: 7th on points table
This is probably the best BBL franchise to have never won a title till date. But when you look at the results, they’re the only team to make four consecutive BBL semi finals, with 5 semi finals in all, including losses in three finals over the years. Melbourne Stars had a slightly poor year in BBL 2020/21 where they finished 7th but they have a team that can go all the way. Once again we ask, can Stars win their first BBL title?
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The first immediate positive that I see in this team is that they have three national side players who were a part of the winning 2021 T20 World Cup squad. One of them was captain Glenn Maxwell who didn’t have a great time in the World Cup but he brings his best in franchise leagues. He scored 6 fifties and 513 runs in 15 games in IPL 2021 and had nearly 400 runs in BBL 2020/21, so expect runs (and even wickets) from him this season.
Another person from the World T20 squad is Marcus Stoinis. This all-rounder has a completely different role at Stars than that at Australia because he doesn’t get many hits with the bat but he opens in the Big Bash League. He got 396 runs last season and overall, has a top score of 147* which is a record that we don’t see being broken soon. He bowls more often here and will be a key player for Stars in BBL 11.
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Leg-spinner Adam Zampa was also a part of that squad and he’s been an invaluable part of the national side. He got 13 scalps in 7 games at the T20 World Cup and wasn’t wicketless in even one of them. With 19 scalps in 12 games in BBL 2020/21, we expect a lot from him this season too. Since they have no other spin options, we think one of their overseas players Qais Ahmad should be a part of the main eleven.
Talking about overseas picks, their other one is England’s Joe Clarke. This guy has plenty of experience in franchise leagues across the world and while he’s not someone to get the big scores, expect a lot of quickfire thirties and forties from him. He gets things moving in the middle overs and is going to be a vital cog in the Stars system as well. He’s coming off two FC fifties and a century in his last 4 games for Notts.
Just in case you feel the batting isn’t in good enough hands, there’s Seb Gotch and Joe Burns who will be quick scorers, while one of the most talented among them is also available in Hilton Cartwright. He hasn’t lived up to expectations in the past but he’s someone who will always get you runs and you’ll get a lot of catches from him in the outfield too, so pick him in your fantasy teams if you’re making any.
Melbourne Stars – BBL 2021/22 Betting
Despite their finish in 7th place last year, this is one of the strongest squads on paper and backing them to win the BBL 2021 trophy will be a smart choice. Those interested in BBL 11 betting, we have a good pick for you to back Stars to win at attractive pre-tournament odds of 6.5 with Betway. You can sign up and start placing bets on all matches of BBL 2021/22 as well.
The bowling is also looking very good with Zampa leading the spine attack and Nathan Coulter-Nile spear heading the pacers. He wasn’t available for the Stars right through the last tournament but he picked 11 scalps in only 6 games. And while everyone will be gaga over him and Billy Stanlake leading the pacers, let us remind you of Liam Hatcher who impressed one and all in his debut BBL season last year.
Melbourne STARS BBL 2021/22 squad: Glenn Maxwell (C), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Hilton Cartwright, Seb Gotch, Liam Hatcher, Clint Hinchliffe, Nick Larkin, Tom O’Connell, Billy Stanlake, Joe Burns, Sam Rainbird, Sam Elliot, Beau Webster, Joe Clarke (Ovr), Qais Ahmad (Ovr), Nicholas Pooran (Ovr), Andre Fletcher (Ovr), Haris Rauf (Ovr), Dilbar Hussain (Ovr).
For more updates on the progress of Stars in the BBL 2021 season, stay tuned to ReadScoops.com…
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