Ben Dunk will represent the Melbourne Stars in the 2017/18 BBL
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
The Melbourne Stars have significantly bolstered their batting line-up after acquiring the services of Ben Dunk for the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).
Dunk represented the Adelaide Strikers in the 2016/17 BBL and finished as the tournament’s top-scorer with 364 runs in eight matches at an average of 52.
Following a string of strong performances, Dunk was recalled to Australia’s squad for their Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka in February, where he made scores of 32 and 28.
“I’m really excited to join the Melbourne Stars,” Dunk said. “It’s a great opportunity to work with Stephen Fleming and new captain John Hastings.
“I’m looking forward to joining up with the squad this summer to work on our pursuit of a Big Bash League title.”
Meanwhile, the Stars also handed left-arm seamer Jackson Coleman a full-time contract.
Coleman, 25, spent time with the franchise in the 2016/17 BBL after being called up as a replacement for Hastings, who was out of action after undergoing knee surgery.
“To secure the experience of Ben is really exciting. He’ll obviously bolster an already strong batting line-up and to have another keeping option is a real positive,” Stars Director of Cricket Trent Woodhill said. “Jackson is a young talent and his left-arm pace will provide us with greater bowling options this season. We can’t wait to see how he develops this season to push for a Stars debut.”
The Melbourne Stars made it to the semi-finals of the last edition of the BBL, but lost to the Perth Scorchers, who went on to be crowned champions.
In regards to the 2017/18 BBL, the Stars will get their campaign underway on December 20 against the Brisbane Heat.
Melbourne Stars’ Squad: John Hastings (c), Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Jackson Coleman, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Ben Hilfenhaus, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen (OS), Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Luke Wright (OS), Adam Zampa