In a massive boost to the already star studded Melbourne Stars line-up, flamboyant English batsman Kevin Pietersen is likely to join the team soon ahead of the side’s next game against rivals Melbourne Renegades. Pietersen missed the first game of the Stars as they made a mockery out of a big run-chase (vs Hobart Hurricanes) and chased down 189 with sheer ease.
With Pietersen returning to the scheme of things, Stars are likely to face a dilemma of selecting the best possible XI. Being a line-up full of reputed names, it’ll be a difficult call to drop players on the basis of one game alone. Nevertheless, it does seem that all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will be the casualty once Pietersen returns.
Post Star’s first victory on Monday, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell spoke about Pietersen and said that a player of his class would always add value to the line-up. “It’s a good headache to have when he comes back,” Maxwell said. “We’ll all shuffle around and we’ll see what happens, I have no idea what’s going to happen.”
Maxwell added the Stars are all geared up to have Pietersen on board for the rest of the tournament. “We’re all looking forward to seeing him here and seeing the impact he has on the competition because last year was outstanding,” Maxwell said. “Anytime you have a guy with the calibre of Pietersen, it can only help the team.”