Australia Test captain Michael Clarke has been unveiled as the new skipper of the Melbourne Stars for the next two Big Bash League seasons.
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Clarke has not played Twenty20 cricket in three years, but says he is confident of making a big impact at the Stars.
I”’ve been fortunate through my career to have success in Test format, and the most recent One Day World Cup but there’s a goal I haven’t achieved yet, and that’s trying to help a team win the BBL. I look forward to the challenge over the next couple of years helping the Melbourne Stars, I’m really confident,” Clarke said in a Stars statement.
New Stars coach Stephen Fleming said he rates Clarke as one of the best cricketer’s he ever played against and was looking forward to his arrival at the club ahead of the new season.
“Michael’s success as a player, and of course as Captain of Australia, sets him apart as a leader. He always responds well to pressure and has lead strongly through performance,” Fleming said.
“Michael’s drive to perform and to win is going to be help the Stars be successful. The Big Bash League is a form of the game that he wants to succeed in, and when he has a drive and a desire to perform, he does.
“The relationship between Captain and Coach is very important and I think Michael and I will work very well together. I have enjoyed playing against him and rate him very highly as a player and Captain. I look forward to developing that relationship further as we prepare for another big season at the Stars.”
Clarke wasn’t the only new name announced at the MCG today, with the Stars unveiling the signings of Adelaide Strikers star Adam Zampa and Hobart Hurricanes all-rounder Evan Gulbis.
The signings will no doubt make the Stars favourites yet again ahead of the 2015/16 BBL season, but the club is yet to win a title.
The BBL glamour club have been knocked out at the semi-final stage of all four seasons of the competition.
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