Legend Lara’s words of wisdom inspire Fletcher to reach for the Stars

A CONVERSATION with West Indies legend Brian Lara proved the catalyst for the rapid change in fortunes for Melbourne Stars opener Andre “Spiceman” Fletcher, who struck a matchwinning 89 off 49 balls against the Strikers on Friday night.

Having struggled to make an impact in BBL10 to date, where his highest score was just 18 in nine innings, West Indian Fletcher struck the ball to all parts of the MCG in a devastating knock.

The innings pushed the Stars to 2-179, before an Adam Zampa (5-17) led attack bowled the Strikers out for just 68 – their lowest ever total and the third-lowest in BBL history.

Fletcher revealed postmatch that a surprise call on Wednesday had helped him refocus in the must-win game for the Stars.

“I just decided to continue to be as positive as I can be and play each ball on its merits,” he said.

“Actually that was the advice I got from the great man himself, Brian Charles Lara. It was good that I applied myself and took his advice.”

Asked to elaborate on the call, Fletcher said Lara, the West Indies greatest batsman, was generous with his time, and urged him to call in future should he want advice.

“Actually he called me, and I was surprised to be honest. He was telling me that, looking from the outside, I’ve been striking the ball cleanly, and to just give myself an opportunity.

“He gave me some advice about the MCG and (about) giving myself that chance and playing each ball on its merits,” Fletcher said.

“I’m an aggressive player so no need to go out there and look to power the ball, and to be honest that’s what I did today and I just want to continue that.”

The huge 111-run win saw Glenn Maxwell’s side leap from seventh on the BBL table to fourth, ahead of back-toback clashes against crosstown rivals the Melbourne Renegades. “I’m so happy. To be honest I was a bit overwhelmed and a bit emotional at the end,” Fletcher said.