Stars name new captain, vice-captain

New Melbourne Stars skipper David Hussey says he will work closely with deputy James Faulkner as the club looks to snap its KFC T20 Big Bash League semi-finals hoodoo.

Hussey has been confirmed as the Stars’ new skipper, following Michael Clarke’s decision to pull out of BBL|05 to take an extended break from cricket and Cameron White's move to crosstown rivals the Renegades.

The 38-year-old had originally been earmarked to step into the captaincy role when Clarke was unavailable, but Hussey still described his full-time appointment as “interesting”.

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He said he hoped to help groom new vice-captain Faulkner to eventually take over the leadership.

“It’s an interesting decision by the Melbourne Stars,” Hussey told News Corp.

“James Faulkner’s going to be the vice-captain and he’s going to be a great person to bounce ideas off. I’ve also learnt from two great captains before me in Shane Warne and Cameron White.

“In terms of me being captain, it’s a tough one.

“I’m always for never standing in the way of a younger player coming through.

“James Faulkner, hopefully we can work together and maybe he’s going to be a future captain of the Melbourne Stars, maybe next year or the year after.”

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Clarke had signed a two-year deal with the Melbourne franchise, but earlier this month announced he would step away from all playing commitments, to give his body and mind time to recover after his retirement from international cricket.

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The Stars have fallen at the penultimate hurdle in the first four BBL seasons, crashing out in the semi-finals, so Hussey was clear about his goals for BBL|05.

“I’m really focused on helping the Melbourne Stars. I want to win some silverware,” he said.

“It is frustrating. We’ve been semi-finalists every year since the inception of the competition.”

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The Stars have a new coach this season in former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, while the club has also signed young leg-spinner Adam Zampa from the Strikers and former Hurricanes pair Evan Gulbis and Ben Hilfenhaus.

But they will be without former skipper White, while Jackson Bird (Sydney Sixers), Clive Rose (Hurricanes) and Luke Feldman (Heat) have also departed.

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Their two international spots are secure with England internationals Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright to return. 

Fleming, who played alongside Hussey at Nottinghamshire, told News Corp he had enormous respect for the veteran batsman.

“It’s nice to have a strong Victorian presence as captain,” Fleming said.

“To be working with him is quite a key component because I know him so well.”

Meanwhile, Shane Warne has poured cold water on rumours he was contemplating a return to the BBL.

Warne tweeted on Tuesday: “I have no plans to come out of retirement & captain the Melb Stars. Flattered that people would like me too & glad you miss me playing!!”

The Stars kick off their season December 18 against the Strikers at Adelaide Oval.