Resilient Coulter-Nile to chase ODI recall

Nathan Coulter-Nile is refusing to give up on his hopes of returning to Australia's limited overs set-up before his career is over.

The 32-year-old lost his place in the ODI team during this year's ICC World Cup and was left out of the squad for the upcoming Qantas tour of India in January.

But he is in good white-ball form leading into the KFC BBL, having recently snared a competition-best 17 wickets during WA's successful One-Day Cup campaign.

Coulter-Nile is hopeful his first BBL season with the Melbourne Stars can be a launching pad back to the international scene ahead of next year's T20 World Cup.

"All I can do is keep putting the performances on the board," Coulter-Nile said.

"I was the leading wicket-taker in the One-Day Cup, so hopefully I can do that again for the Big Bash and maybe clear the rope a few times and keep putting my name up there."

The right-arm quick showcased his ability as a lower-order hitter with a blistering 92 from 60 balls against the West Indies during the World Cup in June and felt his improved batting could play a role in propelling him back into Australia calculations.

"Going back two years I didn't think I could hold it," Coulter-Nile said.

"Now there's just a little bit of a focus to try and clear the rope a bit more and I've found my niche."

Coulter-Nile, who spent eight years with his hometown Perth Scorchers, has been troubled by persistent injuries throughout his career.

But he is fit again, enjoying the change of scenery in Melbourne and excited by the prospect of bowling in tandem with South Africa great Dale Steyn as the premier seamers in a spin-heavy Stars attack.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him swing a few away," Coulter-Nile said.

The Stars begin their BBL campaign against Brisbane Heat on the Gold Coast on Thursday night.