BBL 2019-20: Dale Steyn named in Melbourne Stars squad for Adelaide Strikers clash

Melbourne Stars have made a stunning start to the ongoing season of the Big Bash League (BBL). They are currently second in the points table after winning both of their opening matches. The Melbourne-based outfit started the competition by beating Brisbane Heat by 22 runs before thrashing Hobart Hurricanes by 52 runs in their second game.

And they have received another good news as their star pacers Dale Steyn and Coulter-Nile have joined the squad ahead of the game against Adelaide Strikers. The Stars named their 13-man squad on Thursday for the mouth-watering clash against the Strikers at Metricon Stadium on Friday. Steyn’s debut in the BBL was delayed due to a niggling side strain.

Steyn injured his side while playing for the Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League in South Africa on December 1. And when he arrived in Australia with the strain, Melbourne Stars decided to give him some rest to recover. Coulter-Nile, on the other hand, missed the first two games for the team due to an ankle injury.

Haris Rauf misses out the clash

With Dale Steyn back in the Melbourne Stars squad, Pakistan pace sensation Haris Rauf has been axed from the team. The Stars had roped in Rauf as a cover for Steyn and the pacer fully justified the decision. He was playing for Tasmanian Premier Cricket club Glenorchy before being signed up by the Stars. Rauf is currently the leading wicket-taker in the competition.

In his two games as Steyn’s replacement, Rauf took seven wickets, including a five-fer against the Hobart Hurricanes while conceding just 5.87 runs per over. Meanwhile, Adelaide Strikers are also welcoming Australian veteran Peter Siddle for the upcoming clash after the latter was released from the Test side. Siddle has replaced leg-spinner Liam O’Connor in Adelaide’s squad.

Melbourne Stars squad:

Glenn Maxwell (c), Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ben Dunk, Pete Handscomb, Clint Hinchliffe, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Dale Steyn, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa

Adelaide Strikers squad:

Alex Carey (c), Wes Agar, Harry Conway, Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Harry Nielsen, Phil Salt (England), Matt Short, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells, Cameron White

Watch: Dale Steyn’s impressive spell in MSL 2019