Stars can shine at the ‘G
CAN history repeat itself for the Melbourne Stars? Three summers ago, the Stars were out of sorts at 0-3 and on the brink of missing the BBL finals for the first time.
But a derby triumph against the Renegades, in which they skittled their cross-town rivals for 57, sparked a five-match winning streak that propelled them into the final four.
The Stars were knocked out by eventual champions Perth Scorchers but the lesson was clear — it’s never too late to turn things around.
It’s something the Stars have felt compelled to remind themselves in the lead-up to tonight’s derby at the MCG.
Again the Stars are 0-3 and struggling to fire despite the star power of Kevin Pietersen and Glenn Maxwell.
“It’s a pretty disappointing start but I guess we can turn it around,” leg-spinner Adam Zampa said yesterday.
“We’ve been 0-3 in the past and turned it around.
“We’ve got the (talent) here. Hopefully there’s a bit of fire in the belly after the way we’ve started.
“A game like tomorrow, 80odd thousand people ... if you can’t get yourself up for that and you can’t bring your attitude tomorrow, then I guess you’re never going to do it.”
If the Stars are stuck in something of a loop, the same can’t be said for their opposition. After making finals once in their previous six seasons, the Renegades have found their mojo with a 3-1 start.
Aaron Finch’s side boasts an imposing and versatile bowling attack, with tweakers Brad Hogg and Mohammad Nabi supported by pacemen Dwayne Bravo, Jack Wildermuth and Kane Richardson.
And they have also been impressive with the bat, led by Finch and the evergreen Cameron White.
“They’ve got a great bowling attack and they’ve got dangerous players with the bat so it’s going to be a tough game,” Zampa said.
Zampa will miss the second half of the BBL season. He is set to link up with Australia’s ODI squad next week as they prepare to face England in a five-match series.