Stars re-sign trio for BBL|05

The Melbourne Stars have locked in Australia allrounder James Faulkner, paceman Daniel Worrall and wicketkeeper Sam Harper for the upcoming KFC T20 Big Bash League season.

The Stars, who unveiled veteran David Hussey as their new captain on Tuesday, confirmed on Wednesday vice-captain Faulkner had committed to the club for the next four years.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back on the field with the Melbourne Stars this summer,” Faulkner said.

“With a new coach and a new captain, we’ve got a lot to play for this season.”

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Faulkner’s long-term commitment is a boost for the Stars, with Hussey tipping the allrounder for further leadership honours in the future.

“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,” Hussey told News Corp.

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Meanwhile, promising young wicketkeeper-batsman Harper will be juggling VCE studies with his preparations for the upcoming season.

The 18-year-old played 12 matches for Melbourne in Premier Cricket last season and represented Victoria twice in the Futures League.

“It’s super exciting to have the opportunity to continue learning from players that I’ve looked up to for a long time now including our new captain David Hussey,” Harper said.

“I’m looking forward to developing my game, learning more about T20 cricket and if the opportunity arises, I’ll be ready to take it with both hands.”

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With two BBL seasons under his belt, right-arm quick Worrell will be looking to break into the Melbourne Stars pace line-up in BBL|05.

“It’s exciting to see Dan re-sign,” Stars bowling coach Mick Lewis said.

“Dan has a great skill set. He has the ability to swing the new ball and has a good change of pace.

“He is also an excellent fielder and I’m looking forward to working with him again this season.”

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.

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

The Stars now have one spot remaining in their BBL|05 squad.

Melbourne Stars: David Hussey (capt), James Faulkner (vice-capt), Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, John Hastings, Ben Hilfenhaus, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen, Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Tom Triffitt, Daniel Worrell, Luke Wright, Adam Zampa