NEW Melbourne Stars skipper John Hastings believes their final practice match at Lavington Sportsground will be critical to winning this season’s Big Bash.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hastings, who has taken over from David Hussey, said the Stars would use the December 12 clash against Sydney Thunder as a full-dress rehearsal for their season opener against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba eight days later.
We go into camp on the 7th and our first actual hit-out will be on the 12th up here
- John Hastings
“I think we have a great list,” Hastings said.
“My biggest step is getting everyone together and getting our tactics sorted out.
“It stems from this game here.
“We go into camp on the 7th and our first actual hit-out will be on the 12th up here.
“It’s massive for us leading into it.”
Hastings said the late signing of aggressive top-order batsman Ben Dunk had topped off the Stars’ list nicely.
Dunk joins the Stars from the Adelaide Strikers, where he spent two years, leading all comers last season with 364 runs, to go with his season-high 395 runs with Hobart Hurricanes earlier in his career.
His strong performances last summer earned him a call-up to Australia's T20 squad.
“He’s massive for us obviously being the leading run-scorer for the past few years,” he said.
“To have someone of his calibre come in when our depth gets tested later in the tournament is fantastic.
“We need someone like Ben who just steps up year after year.
“He’s one of the leading run-scorers of all-time in the Big Bash and for us to secure his signature is massive
“We’re looking forward to him joining us.”
Jackson Coleman, a left-arm paceman, has been elevated to a full contract.
Hastings said he was excited to be taking over from Hussey.
“I’ve always wanted to be captain,” he said.
“I’ve never really been in a position to do it.
“I think we have had a great list over the last few years when we have made the semis but haven’t gone on to win it.
“If I could be the first Stars captain to lift the trophy it would be massive.”
In last year’s match at Lavington, Thunder posted 4-149, with the Stars falling just short at 7-143 in the chase.
Sydney Thunder are yet to finalise their squad, but will be captained by Shane Watson.
“We’re looking forward to it,” promising batsman Kurtis Patterson said.
“It was a terrific success last year getting 10,000 to a pre-season game which is something we aren’t used to.
“The wicket was terrific and the ground was great.”
Sydney Thunder are yet to finalise their squad, but will be captained by Shane Watson.
In the women, the Stars have lost Australia captain Meg Lanning to Perth Scorchers for the next three WBBL seasons.
The women’s match at Lavington will start at 2pm with the men following under lights at 6.30pm.