Melbourne Stars sign Andre Russell for Big Bash League 2021
Andre Russell (Photo by Randy Brooks – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will play for Melbourne Stars in the 11th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). The news was confirmed on Wednesday (December 8). Russell will be available for the Stars’ second match against Sydney Thunder on Friday (December 10). Stars got off to the worst possible start in the tournament as they went down by 152 runs against Sydney Sixers.
The batting and bowling came as a copper against a quality Sixers outfit. Russell’s presence will surely help lift the morale of the side. The big-hitting West Indian all-rounder has experience of playing in the BBL and has previously represented Sydney Thunders and Melbourne Renegades.
The Maxwell-led outfit does not have an all-rounder like Russell who can win matches singlehandedly. Also, they were missing a genuine finisher. Russell’s presence will solve that problem for Stars.
David Hussey, the Stars head coach is ecstatic to have the West Indian all-rounder on board. “We cannot wait to see Andre at the MCG in front of some big crowds this summer,” Hussey said according to Sports Rush.
“At the Stars, we always strive to have world-class players for our members and fans to admire, and Andre falls comfortably into that category. We look forward to seeing him entertain and thrill everyone, starting on Friday against the Thunder at the MCG.”
Absolutely HUGE!
The @StarsBBL have gone BIG and secured the services of @Russell12A #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/sMu067fgfp
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 8, 2021
Russell was last seen in the Abu Dhabi T10 league. Earlier, he had turned out for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian T20 League. The 33-year-old will be available for Stars for five games.
