The former Test all-rounder suffered a calf injury on the Thunder’s pre-season tour of New Zealand.

He will also miss the opening games in the BBL.

It’s a bitter blow for the Thunder. but the defending champion still boasts a strong squad, spearheaded by Australian paceman Pat Cummins and England T20 captain Eoin Morgan

Meanwhile, one of Australian cricket’s best scrappers will bring his energetic style to the Lavington Oval.

Melbourne Stars’ Michael Beer’s gritty reputation complements the skill which catapulted him to Test selection after only five first-class games.

“My competitiveness means I try to get myself into the game as quickly as I can,” he said.

“Whether it be with the ball, the bat or in the field, I’ll do what I can for the team.

“I’ll scrap and at times it can lift the team.”

Beer is now in his third season with the Stars, who have been the BBL’s glamour team since its inception in 2011-12.

The Stars though have never won the league, making four successive semi-finals before falling to the Thunder in last season’s grand final.

‘I wouldn’t say we’ve underachieved, a lot depends on Australian selection,” Beer said.

“The Stars have been decimated, with guys like (James) Faulkner and (Glenn) Maxwell often in line for national selection then.”

David Hussey will captain the Stars, while the club also boasts a number of others with international experience, including John Hastings, who was surprisingly dropped from Australia’s team for the current ODI series against New Zealand, despite being the leading wicket-taker in the world this year.

The Stars-Thunder games will follow the women’s competition match.

That starts from 10am, with around nine hours of action for the day.

The Thunder won last season’s inaugural title, toppling the Sydney Sixers.

Bookmakers have installed the Thunder and Stars as joint favourites.