White, Stars seeking 'stability' amid privatisation uncertainty

New Melbourne Stars coach Cameron White won’t be wiping the slate clean as he assumes control of the club in BBL|16, instead advocating for “stability” in his new colours amid one of Australian cricket’s most tumultuous periods.

While Cricket Australia at large navigates through the many uncertainties regarding the future of Big Bash and privatisation, Cricket Victoria has experienced its own share of internal and external turbulence over the past few months after announcing its intentions to sell 100 per cent of its stake in the Melbourne Renegades to private investors.

The resultant restructure saw a mass cross-pollination of Stars and Renegades personnel, with White appointed as coach of the Stars for BBL|16 after leading the Renegades for two seasons. That changing of hats added to the narrative of uncertainty, with Stars leader Peter Moores shifting into a director of coaching role for BBL|16 despite a year still left to run on his contract.

But as the Stars’ playing roster steadily falls into place for BBL|16, headlined by the recruitment of international Finn Allen and Jamie and Craig Overton, White says he won’t be adding to the already choppy waters by implementing a raft of changes now he’s in green.

“I’ve said to the guys all along once I knew that I had this job — and talking to the domestic players especially, Marcus Stoinis the captain — (that I’m) not looking to change too much,” White said at Junction Oval.

“The message is there’s not a lot that’s changed in terms of the names on the sheet. Even Peter Moores is still involved and I’m really looking forward to working with him. Stability across the board is really the messaging from my end, I’m not looking to change a heap.

“It feels as though playing against the Stars over the last couple of years and looking at the list that it’s a strong list, building nicely towards being consistent and hopefully winning enough games to make finals.”

White’s mantra of stability comes at arguably the most uncertain time in Cricket Victoria’s history as the imminent influence of privatisation in the Big Bash transpires.

Cricket Australia last week confirmed it would invite bids from private owners for a 100 per cent stake in the Melbourne Renegades, with a sale to possibly to be finalised by Christmas in time for the WBBL|13 and BBL|17 seasons in 2027.

Melbourne Stars BBL|16 squad (so far)

Contracted for BBL|16: Finn Allen (contracted until BBL|18), Austin Anlezark (BBL|16), Hilton Cartwright (BBL|17), Sam Harper (BBL|17), Liam Hatcher (BBL|16), Campbell Kellaway (BBL|17), Glenn Maxwell (BBL|17), Todd Murphy (BBL|16), Craig Overton (BBL|16), Jamie Overton (BBL|16), Tom Rogers (BBL|16), Peter Siddle (BBL|16), Marcus Stoinis (BBL|16), Mitch Swepson (BBL|17)

 

Uncontracted: Scott Boland, Joe Clarke (England), Sam Hain (England), Blake Macdonald, Hamish McKenzie, Jon Merlo, Haris Rauf (Pakistan), Aryan Sharma, Mark Steketee, Tom Whitney

 

Head coach: Cameron White

Following the sale of the Renegades, states will have the power whether or not to pursue private investment at their own discretion under Cricket Australia’s ’self-determination’ model.

The proposed scheme does not have all state bodies in agreement. Cricket NSW last week released a statement citing their disappointment in Cricket Australia’s decision to forge ahead with privatisation in a move which would “risk leaving cricket in NSW and Australia strategically and financially worse off” and would precipitate “dire consequences” for investment in grassroots cricket. Queensland and South Australia are also reticent in the sale of private stakes in the Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers respectively.

The Melbourne Stars are among the clubs keen to explore privatisation opportunities, however White, who is contracted for three seasons, isn’t looking too far down the track as he looks to galvanise the Stars under his tenure.

“From my end, and that’s all I can speak to, I’m here coaching for this season and beyond… whatever it looks like,” White said.

“(To the) best of my knowledge, (it’s) to coach the Stars as if we were going forward as the Melbourne Stars. If that changes down the track, we’ll adjust, but in terms of that, that’s the way I see it at the moment.

“In terms of my own personal view around privatisation, I’m for it. I think I can see it (will) be a great thing for the game going forward.

“I can see the people that look after the game are going to do exactly that and look after the game in all different areas, all the way through from community cricket to hopefully putting some funds in to this level of cricket and all through the pathways system.

“I think it’ll get there. Some people are obviously for it at the moment and some are against, but I think everyone will be on board eventually.”

While a great deal remains uncertain from an off-field perspective, White and the Stars have moved proactively to ensure their playing list is in top order as their elusive search for silverware enters a 16th season.

The arrival of New Zealand power-hitter Finn Allen from the Perth Scorchers on what is believed to be a three-year deal headlines the Stars’ recruitments, with England twins Craig and Jamie Overton signing on yesterday; the latter moving from the Strikers after two seasons.

The Stars also swooped on Test-capped spinner Todd Murphy to partner with Mitch Swepson, and earlier signed Glenn Maxwell on a two-year deal just prior to the Big Bash’s contracting embargo being put into effect.

White also affirmed that Marcus Stoinis would unequivocally remain as captain of the Stars for BBL|16, despite a reported monster offer from the Brisbane Heat to prize him out of Victoria.

With both Overtons and Allen occupying the three allotted spots for international players on the Stars’ list for BBL|16, it means last season’s opener Joe Clarke and last season’s leading wicket-taker Haris Rauf will not be pulling on green this coming summer.

White was optimistic of “hopefully good performances” from his new international trio, with the injection of all three to the Stars brigade perhaps the missing piece in the club’s pursuit of title glory.

“Finn and Jamie in particular are some of the most sought after players in franchise cricket around the world,” White said.

“Obviously we know Finn through the (San Francisco) Unicorns, and I’ve coached a fair bit against Jamie. He had a great IPL and doing great things when he plays for England and other franchises around the world.

“There’s no secret to his skillset. He bowls quick and bats and fields, so it’s just exciting to have those guys in our line-up.

“With Craig, (he) provides excellent batting depth, is another gun fielder and someone that we know can show up, compete, trust and fight hard for the club. I’m excited to see what that look like come December.”