2024-25 Big Bash League Preview: Melbourne Stars

As the 14th edition of Australia’s Big Bash League draws ever closer, we’re previewing the tournament by analysing all eight squads in depth.

This piece sees us focus on one of two teams still yet to have won the BBL across the competition’s history, Melbourne Stars

Captain: Marcus Stoinis

Head Coach: Peter Moores

Confirmed Overseas Players: Joe Clarke (ENG), Tom Curran (ENG), Ben Duckett (ENG), Adam Milne (NZ), Usama Mir (PAK)

Last Season: 6th place

Betting Analysis: Batting

Melbourne Stars’ stand-out batters consist of Australian international stars who have represented them in white ball cricket for a significant length of time. One of those is Marcus Stoinis, the big-hitting all-rounder who has been appointed the side’s new captain. Another is Glenn Maxwell, one of the best players across the entire tournament. However, investment in Maxwell from a betting perspective wouldn’t be wise, as he is set to miss the start of the tournament with a hamstring injury.

The Stars will be without another key batter at the beginning of BBL 14, as overseas signing Ben Duckett completes his Test match commitments with England. Duckett is likely to open the batting once available, but until then will be replaced by Nottinghamshire teammate Joe Clarke. Potentially batting at number three, all-rounder Beau Webster is worth getting behind from a betting point of view after racking up 262 runs last season. Also keep an eye on Hilton Cartwright down the order.

Betting Analysis: Bowling

Signed on a two-year contract, Tom Curran is an experienced BBL operator and represents a solid pickup for the Stars, capable of multiple wickets per game. He’s not the only overseas player who has a big role to play with the ball, as New Zealand pacer Adam Milne could prove a shrewd pick-up for the first three games before being replaced by Usama Mir. The Pakistan spinner’s ability to turn the ball both ways make him a huge wicket-taking threat.

Australian all-rounders bulk out their bowling attack with Stoinis and Webster capable of multiple overs, as is Maxwell when fit. Although known mainly for his red ball bowling, right-arm quick Mark Steketee is a valuable piece for the Stars and could be utilised in multiple periods across an opposition innings. The bowling unit has been further boosted with the signing of former international and BBL veteran Peter Siddle, who is now 40-years-old.

Melbourne Stars Prediction: Locking down settled team tough

The big issue from a Melbourne Stars point of view is when they will be able to get their best players out onto the pitch at the same time. Whether it be injuries (Glenn Maxwell) or international commitments (Ben Duckett), this could lead to a slow start for the Stars. Scoring runs could be problematic and building chemistry difficult with constant changes to the side, particularly from an overseas perspective. With that in mind, it would be no surprise if we saw another disappointing Stars campaign.