THE 2024/25 Big Bash League (BBL) season is right around the corner, kicking off with a clash between the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars on December 15. Another bumper schedule plays host to 40 matches followed by a finals series which will see the BBL|14 title awarded on January 27.

With plenty of water passing under the bridge since BBL|13, including a draft and signing period, we get you back up to speed with all the ins and outs before the new season. Next up in our preview series are the Stars, who have shuffled their squad in hopes of snapping a streak of playoff absences.

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BBL|13 RECAP

Record: 6th | 4-6 | -1.051 NRR

The Stars strung together some strong form in the middle part of last season, winning four consecutive games to be on track for a breakthrough finals appearance. That all came crashing down with three losses on the bounce, which saw the largely underachieving side slip to sixth. Thus, they missed out on the postseason for a fourth season running and remain without a BBL title.

BBL|14 SQUAD

Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Tom Curran, Ben Duckett, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Jon Merlo, Usama Mir, Joel Paris, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Doug Warren, Beau Webster

Replacement players: Joe Clarke, Adam Milne

IN: Joe Clarke (Renegades), Tom Curran (Sixers, pre-signed), Ben Duckett (draft), Hamish McKenzie (Scorchers), Jon Merlo, Peter Siddle (Renegades), Doug Warren
OUT: Nick Larkin (retired)

Tom Curran was the Stars’ big draft coup, crossing from the Sixers as a pre-signed international. Melbourne will have full access to the English allrounder, who has been one of the competition’s most successful imports to date – even amid a four-match ban last season.

Compatriot Ben Duckett was a surprise selection with pick one in the draft. He looks set to occupy a spot atop the batting order with potential to also take the gloves. The left-hander’s big hitting has most recently been observed in the Test arena as part of England’s famed Bazballing side.

Leg-spinner Usama Mir, who turned out for the Stars last season, rounded out their draft haul. The Pakistan international will be unavailable for the start of the season as he tours South Africa, with New Zealand paceman Adam Milne signed up as a replacement player for the first three games.

Mir will likely be the Stars’ frontline spinner ahead of new signing Hamish McKenzie, from the Scorchers. Veteran Peter Siddle has also returned to the green side of Melbourne along with English top-up player Joe Clarke, who will cover for Duckett in the first two games.

INTERNATIONAL REPS

Scott Boland and Beau Webster are both part of the Australian Test squad. Unless they go unselected and are released to play in the BBL, they will likely miss much of the season with said commitments. The Stars will be without Mir for the first few games, with Milne replacing him in that period. Duckett is also set to miss two games with international duties, seeing Clarke come into the fold.

POTENTIAL XI

1. Tom Rogers
2. Ben Duckett
3. Beau Webster
4. Glenn Maxwell
5. Marcus Stoinis
6. Hilton Cartwright
7. Sam Harper
8. Tom Curran
9. Usama Mir
10. Joel Paris
11. Scott Boland

FIXTURES

vs. Perth Scorchers
Sunday December 15 @ Perth Stadium

vs. Brisbane Heat
Wednesday December 18 @ MCG

vs. Adelaide Strikers
Friday December 20 @ Adelaide Oval

vs. Sydney Sixers
Thursday December 26 @ SCG

vs. Sydney Thunder
Saturday December 28 @ Manuka Oval

vs. Brisbane Heat
Wednesday January 1 @ The Gabba

vs. Melbourne Renegades
Saturday January 4 @ MCG

vs. Sydney Sixers
Thursday January 9 @ MCG

vs. Melbourne Renegades
Sunday January 12 @ Marvel Stadium

vs. Hobart Hurricanes
Sunday January 19 @ MCG

PUT IT IN YOUR DIARY

The Stars open the show with a trip to Perth on December 15 as one of their many marquee fixtures. They’ll also be on the road for Boxing Day against Sydney Sixers, before travelling up to Brisbane to tackle the Heat on New Year’s Day. The Stars run out the season with their last four games in Melbourne, including three at the MCG. Two happen to be derbies against the Renegades on January 4 and 9.

SEASON PREDICTION

Ladder range: 3-6

The second half of the draw favours the Stars in that they can build form at home heading into what will hopefully be a playoffs appearance. Navigating the first part of the fixture, with away trips to each of last season’s finalists, will be a different story. On paper, the men in green have enough talent to be a top four side and their batting stocks should strike fear into any opposition.