Stand-in shines brightest for Stars

MARQUEE man Dale Steyn’s injury replacement tore Hobart Hurricanes to shreds as Melbourne Stars extended their unbeaten start to the Big Bash League with a 52-run win at Moe’s Ted Summerton Reserve.

Power hitter Marcus Stoinis reminded national selectors of his ability by smashing an unbeaten 81 off 54 balls, which put the Stars in a strong position at 4-163.

But it was Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf — a relative unknown when he was plucked from grade cricket in Hobart on the eve of the BBL — who stole the show. The 26year-old claimed matchwinning figures of 5-27 from four overs, two days after taking 2-20 on debut in the Stars’ win over Brisbane Heat.

“It was a great opportunity and I was only focused on doing well,” Rauf said through teammate Sandeep Lamichhane, who was acting as a translator. Stars all-rounder Glenn Maxwell (2-15) did his best work with the ball as Hobart was reduced to 3-44 during the powerplay and Rauf then spearheaded the fall of regular wickets.

The Hurricanes were eventually skittled for 111 in the 16th over. The win left the Stars with a 2-0 record ahead of South Africa pace legend Steyn’s likely debut in their meeting with Adelaide Strikers on the Gold Coast on Friday.

The 36-year-old’s return to action from a side strain means Rauf, now the leading BBL wicket-taker, may not feature again for the Stars. But he has eyes on breaking into the Pakistan national team in time for next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

Steyn actually completed the warm-up in Moe and declared himself fit to play, but competition rules dictated he could not be included after he was left out of the initial 13man squad.

It mattered little to the result as Stoinis tilted the match the Stars’ way. After being gifted two early reprieves, he punished Hobart’s sloppy fielding with seven fours and four sixes in his sensational knock.