BBL 2020-21: Nicholas Pooran to represent Melbourne Stars in Big Bash League

Nicholas Pooran to represent Melbourne Stars: The West Indian T20I vice-captain is readying for a maiden stint in the Big Bash League.

West Indies T20I vice-captain Nicholas Pooran will represent Melbourne Stars in the imminent season of the Big Bash League. Pooran, 25, who has played 21 T20Is, will provide cover for England wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow who will be on international duties in South Africa.

While Bairstow will have to undergo a mandatory quarantine period upon reaching Australia, the same will not be the case with Pooran who will be traveling to Australia from New Zealand.

Due to the Trans-Tasman travel bubble that was recently established between Australia and New Zealand, Pooran will be allowed to immediately join the squad as his mandatory quarantine would have happened in New Zealand.

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“Nick [Nicholas Pooran] is an impressive player with some big gears who has been in demand in the IPL, the Carribean Premier League and Pakistan Super League in addition to his West Indies duties for some time. I’m looking forward to having his talents on our side this season,” Stars head coach David Hussey said in a statement.

Nicholas Pooran to represent Melbourne Stars in BBL 2020-21

Pooran, who is coming on the back of representing Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League, had scored 353 runs in 14 T20s at an average and strike rate of 35.30 and 169.71 respectively. At Stars, the southpaw will be seen playing under his Punjab teammate in Glenn Maxwell.

“The Melbourne Stars have a very strong team and I’m happy I can be part of that for a few matches this season. I’m also excited to be part of the BBL and heard many good things from Glenn Maxwell. I will keep playing my natural game for the team and hope it helps get the Stars some positive results,” Pooran said in a statement.

In addition to this development, Stars have also confirmed that Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf won’t be available for BBL 2020-21 due to international commitments. Having picked 20 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 13.35, an economy rate of 7.05 and a strike rate of 11.3, Rauf was Stars’ highest wicket-taker last season and had went on to play for Pakistan soon after making a name in the Big Bash League.