EVAN BLAST BEFORE STARS REALIGN

MELBOURNE Stars start the second half of the Big Bash season hanging out for Saturday, when all their international players should return.

Following Friday night’s one-dayer between Australia and India at the MCG, Stars captain Glenn Maxwell, batsmen Marcus Stoinis and Peter Handscomb, and spinner Adam Zampa are expected to be released for BBL duties.

But before that there is one more chance for the green team to score a much- needed win, against Hobart Hurricanes at the MCG tonight.

It is probably Stars opener Evan Gulbis’s last hit at the top of the order and he is going to make it count.

The must-win clash against the ladder leaders will be Gulbis’s third as an opener, and the green team’s third game in six days.

The first two were losses, played without the guns who officials hope will turn out for the second derby against the Renegades on Saturday — despite the tight turnaround.

Gulbis will likely resume his place in the middle order despite back-to-back innings of 37, having not batted in the two previous matches.

Knowing how much his team needs him and how much better it is to open, he is certain to let fly against the Hurricanes.

“It’s nice having two fielders out every time you bat rather than five,” he said.

“I’m enjoying that role, but I assume someone will take that role.

“I’ll be trying to make the most of it while I can.”