BBL 2020-21: Jonny Bairstow signs up for Melbourne Stars
This will be Jonny Bairstow’s first foray in the BBL.
The Melbourne Stars today announced the signing of 31-year-old English wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow for the upcoming BBL season. This will be the Yorkshireman’s first season in Australia’s premier T20 league. He is expected to be available for the Stars from after Christmas until the end of the season.
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“I’m really pleased to have signed with the Stars. I’ve always watched the BBL no matter where I’ve been in the world and it will be nice to finally be a part of it. I know the Stars are one of the competition’s profile clubs and have a track record of being in contention in finals,” Bairstow said in an official release.
“The list is looking good and I can’t wait to get involved alongside Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa who I’ve been playing against during the IPL. I know Melbourne has been through a tough time over the winter with COVID so I hope the Stars can bring some of the fun back over summer and put a smile on people’s faces,” Bairstow added.
As he mentioned, Jonny Bairstow was last seen in action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He scored a respectable 345 runs for the Sunrisers in 11 matches at a strike rate of 126.83. However, he couldn’t quite make the desired impact and was dropped for the team’s last few games, including for their Qualifier 2 defeat at the hands of the Delhi Capitals, which ultimately ended the Sunrisers’ campaign.
The Melbourne Stars would be gunning to win their maiden BBL title and coach David Hussey feels Jonny Bairstow’s inclusion will improve both their batting as well their wicket-keeping departments.
“I’m glad that Jonny has decided to make his BBL debut with us at the Melbourne Stars. He’s been playing at the top level with England for almost a decade now and brings real competitive fire to matches,” Hussey said.
“His experience and versatility will be a valuable addition to our batting line-up, and we’ve got several ‘keeping options in the squad as well,” he added.
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Bairstow continues a surge of English players to commit to the BBL for the upcoming season, joining Dawid Malan (Hobart Hurricanes), Jason Roy (Perth Scorchers), Tom Banton (Brisbane Heat), Tom Curran (Sydney Sixers) and Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder).
The 10th edition of the BBL will begin on December 10 with the Hobart Hurricanes taking on Sydney Sixers in the curtain-raiser.
Featured Photo: Twitter/IPL