The must haves, bargain buys and the ones to watch out for in the Melbourne Stars green this summer
BBL Fantasy Guide: Melbourne Stars
Michael Beer ($52,800), Scott Boland ($60,300), James Faulkner ($80,000), Sebastian Gotch, Evan Gulbis ($30,300), Peter Handscomb ($72,300), Sam Harper ($20,000), John Hastings ($99,300), Ben Hilfenhaus ($79,900), David Hussey ($30,000), Glenn Maxwell ($69,800), Kevin Pietersen ($77,600), Robert Quiney ($41,800), Marcus Stoinis ($30,000), Tom Triffitt ($53,600), Daniel Worrall ($42,100), Luke Wright ($49,600), Adam Zampa ($65,500)
Beaten semi-finalists in every edition of the KFC Big Bash League, the Stars have made a few important changes in the off-season in an attempt to take the next step in BBL|05.
Veteran coach Greg Shipperd has been replaced by former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, while regulars Cameron White and Clint McKay have found new homes this season.
Still the core of their squad remains, with the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Glenn Maxwell, Luke Wright, John Hastings, James Faulkner and new skipper David Hussey forming an imposing line-up that manages to catch the eye.
Veteran trio Michael Beer, Ben Hilfenhaus and Robert Quiney give the Stars the experience they require, while the relatively raw Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa and Scott Boland mean the men in green have plenty of talent at their disposal.
Fleming was an excellent tactician during his time in charge of the New Zealand team, so keep an eye out for some interesting tactics from the new Stars coach.
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MUST HAVE
Kevin Pietersen ($77,600) - Say what you like about the outspoken Englishman, but the fact remains that he is still one of the best limited-overs batsmen in the world. Only Michael Klinger scored more runs than Pietersen in BBL|04 and we think there is every chance the star import can better the 293 runs he made during the BBL last season.
BARGAIN BUY
David Hussey ($30,000) - The veteran still knows how to get the job done with bat and ball and at a cheap price tag of $30,000 is certainly worth entertaining. Hussey will also skipper the Stars during BBL|05, so hopefully that means he bats in his preferred spot in the line-up and bowls at suitable times. Either way, Hussey's inclusion in your fantasy squad is a no brainer.
CONSIDER CAREFULLY
Tom Triffitt ($53,600) - Triffitt is an extremely talented wicketkeeper-batsman, but the Stars also boast another very talented gloveman in their squad which may make it tough for the Tasmanian to get a game. Peter Handscomb is more than capable behind the stumps, which could mean Triffitt is left on the outer for much of the tournament. It's certainly a risk including Triffitt.