John Hastings all set to excel as Melbourne Stars skipper

Veteran Australian speedster John Hastings has been named as the captain of the Melbourne Stars for the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). He is a seasoned veteran in the tournament but this will be his first stint as the captain. He will be taking over from David Hussey as the captain of the stars. He recently expressed his thoughts on his new role and the big tournament.

John Hastings admitted that he feels privileged to be named as the captain. He has serious affinity towards the team and would want to contribute to their success. One big player in the side in Glenn Maxwell. Hastings is confident that Maxwell will have a great time this season. Hastings was right in pointing out that the form of Maxwell in the recent times has been sensational. The team would bank heavily on his services.

“I feel very privileged but I also feel like I’m prepared and I’m ready. It’s a club that I’m very close to, I’ve been here since inception so I would love to look back on my career and have captained a few victories and even a championship,” quoted John Hastings as per the quotes in Cricket.com.au.

“‘Maxi’ is set for a big year, I’ve been watching him closely over the last few years and his game looks in great order. His shot selection and just the timing he has at the moment, he’s very good bowler as well and I’ll definitely be bowling him a little bit more too. He’s got some good skills with the ball. He’s a type of bloke that if you get into the game and really give him a bit of ownership it makes him play so much better, so hopefully we can draw that out of him,” mentioned the newly appointed Stars skipper.

Working with the big names

John Hastings further noted that he has been having discussions with the big heads of the franchise. He has had his discussions with the former skipper of the team and is in talks with the big stars of the team as well. He remarked that he has a great camaraderie with all the boys in the camp. He is keen on repaying the favors to the Stars now.

“I’ve been working closely with Steve Fleming and our coaches and I’ve been speaking closely to our ex-captain David Hussey. I’ll be working closely with ‘Maxi’ and Faulkner, they’ll be my two go to men out there and I’ve got a great relationship with all the boys. I’m at a stage in my career now where hopefully I can repay the Stars for being so good to me,” he conceded.

Commenting on his personal aspirations, John Hastings mentioned that he is still pretty much interested in playing all formats of the game. However, it is his body that is not allowing too much of work load. He is focusing on the BBL for now.

“I’m just trying to concentrate on the Big Bash and I truly believe if we have a successful time and I do okay I can push on and put my name up there. I feel like I’ve got some really good cricket left, I still love the game, it’s just that my body is not up to bowling 10, 15, 20 over spells anymore,” conceded Hastings.