Australia all-rounder John Hastings has been named as the new captain of Melbourne Stars for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. The Stars are without their last season’s captain David Hussey as the veteran all-rounder decided to retire from the game.
Hastings had missed all the action last season due to injury and will now lead Melbourne Stars as the franchise eye their first BBL title in seven years. The 31-year-old had his share of injuries over the past 18 months and thus was left out from the cricketing action.
He missed BBL 06 completely before returning to the action earlier this year. He represented Australia in the Champions Trophy and played in the county for Worcestershire, only to see him suffer a foot injury which brought his county stint to an abrupt end. However, he is expected to be available for Australian summer this year and will play a huge role in the proceedings of Melbourne Stars.
“We have a great club, and I can’t wait to pull the green shirt back on this summer and lead the team,” Hastings said. “Our squad is very close, and we have built a great culture at the club,” he added.
The Stars are set to open their BBL campaign against Brisbane Heat on December 20 at the Gabba.
Melbourne Stars squad:
Michael Beer, Scott Boland, James Faulkner, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, John Hastings (c), Ben Hilfenhaus, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen, Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Dan Worrall, Luke Wright, Adam Zampa.