Melbourne Stars have signed New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne for a pre-Christmas stint in the BBL. Milne replaces Pakistan leg-spinner Usama Mir, who will miss the first three matches due to international commitments. The Stars will also name a new captain this week, as Glenn Maxwell stepped down last season and is unlikely to be fit for the opening game against Perth Scorchers on December 15 due to a hamstring injury.
Milne, who previously played for Sydney Thunder in the 2020-21 BBL season, strengthens the Stars’ bowling attack, covering for Scott Boland, who is on Test duty. The Stars may also miss allrounder Beau Webster for their opening match, as he remains with the Australian Test squad for the series against India. England’s Ben Duckett is unavailable for the first three games due to Test commitments, with Joe Clarke returning for a second stint as his replacement.
Renegades have added USA spin-bowling allrounder Hassan Khan as a replacement player. Hassan impressed in Major League Cricket, taking 10 wickets and scoring 204 runs at a strike rate of 143.70. He also performed well in the Global Super League, playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors. Renegades view him as a valuable addition for the middle overs and lower-order batting.
Meanwhile, Hobart Hurricanes have signed Afghanistan wrist-spinner Waqar Salamkheil as an overseas replacement for Rishad Hossain, who is unavailable due to international and BPL commitments. Salamkheil, Trinbago Knight Riders’ leading wicket-taker in the Caribbean Premier League, will play the first six games before joining the ILT20 in January. The Hurricanes see him as a like-for-like replacement for Rishad, with his well-disguised wrong’un adding depth to their bowling options.
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