All you need to know about Melbourne Stars in BBL 2024-25

The Melbourne Stars are looking to break their title drought after missing the finals for the past four seasons. With Marcus Stoinis taking over the captaincy from Glenn Maxwell, the Stars have injected fresh leadership and new signings to strengthen their lineup. Under the experienced guidance of coach Peter Moores, they are determined to mount a serious challenge this season.

Squad Overview of Melbourne Stars in BBL 2024-25

Captain: Marcus Stoinis
Coach: Peter Moores

Batters:

• Marcus Stoinis (captain, power-hitter)
• Ben Duckett (ENG, attacking opener)
• Sam Harper (aggressive wicketkeeper-batter)
• Hilton Cartwright (hard-hitting finisher)
• Glenn Maxwell (explosive allrounder)
• Campbell Kellaway (emerging batter)
• Beau Webster (versatile allrounder)

Allrounders:

• Tom Curran (ENG, pace-bowling allrounder)
• Jon Merlo (batting allrounder)

Bowlers:

• Scott Boland (Test pacer)
• Adam Milne (NZ, express pace)
• Mark Steketee (swing bowler)
• Peter Siddle (veteran seamer)
• Tom Rogers (fast bowler)
• Brody Couch (emerging quick)
• Joel Paris (left-arm pacer)

Spinners:

• Usama Mir (PAK, leg-spinner)
• Hamish McKenzie (emerging spinner)

How They Stack Up

The Stars have rebuilt their lineup with an emphasis on international firepower and experienced domestic talent. Tom Curran and Ben Duckett add proven match-winning ability, while Pakistan’s leg-spinner Usama Mir strengthens their spin options. Adam Milne, signed as Mir’s temporary replacement, offers genuine pace alongside Australia’s Test hero Scott Boland and all-formats bowler Mark Steketee.

The middle-order looks strong with Stoinis, Maxwell, and Cartwright, capable of finishing games powerfully. Sam Harper and Joe Clarke are expected to provide fast starts. If Maxwell returns fit, he will be a major influence as a dynamic batter and occasional bowler.

Player to Watch: Glenn Maxwell

After five seasons as captain, Glenn Maxwell can now focus entirely on his batting. While he struggled in the T20 World Cup and against Pakistan, he showed flashes of his best with a blistering 19-ball 43 at the Gabba. However, a hamstring injury threatens his availability for the season opener. A fully fit Maxwell could drive the Stars toward title contention with his game-changing ability.

Strengths of Melbourne Stars:

• All-round Depth: Stoinis, Maxwell, and Curran offer a wealth of versatility.
• World-Class Bowling: A pace attack featuring Milne, Boland, and Steketee, supported by Siddle’s experience and Mir’s leg-spin.
• Powerful Batting Core: Duckett, Maxwell, and Stoinis form a dangerous top and middle-order.

Challenges:

• Injury Concerns: Maxwell’s fitness remains a significant question.
• Spin Dependency: Without Mir early on, spin bowling could be a concern on turning tracks.
• Availability Gaps: Key players like Duckett and Boland may miss crucial parts of the season.

Availability Watch

• Ben Duckett: Misses the first three games due to Test duties in New Zealand and departs early for England’s white-ball tour of India.
• Joe Clarke: Fills in for Duckett early in the season.
• Scott Boland & Beau Webster: May be unavailable early due to Australia’s Test commitments.
• Marcus Stoinis & Tom Curran: Available for the entire season before heading to UAE and South African leagues.

Prediction: Title Contenders or Dark Horses?

With a balanced mix of international stars, veteran bowlers, and emerging talents, the Stars have the potential to end their title drought. If Maxwell returns fit and Stoinis thrives as captain, they could secure a top-four finish and be serious contenders for the BBL crown.