Photo Credit: Melbourne Stars
The Melbourne Stars are pleased to announce contract extensions for batter Nick Larkin and young quick Liam Hatcher ahead of the upcoming KFC Big Bash season.
Having joined the Stars from Sydney Thunder ahead of BBL|10, Hatcher’s impressive first season in Team Green earned him the well-deserved extension until the end of BBL|12.
The New South Welshman’s debut season for the Stars included a Player of the Match performance in the Melbourne Derby win over Renegades taking 3-29.
Larkin is on track to clock his 40th appearance for the Stars this season and the club has extended his contract by a further two years until the end of BBL|13.
The 31 year-old has scored more than 700 runs in green.
Melbourne Stars BBL Head Coach David Hussey said Larkin and Hatcher’s re-signings were welcome news ahead of the much-anticipated KFC BBL|11 season.
“Liam impressed us with his first season, taking 13 wickets which included a great performance against the Renegades in the derby. Liam has a real desire to keep improving and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to develop,” Hussey said.
“Nick has been part of our setup for some time and has given us real stability and versatility. With a strike rate at almost 130, he’s been able to play important roles for us batting either towards the top or in the middle order and has been really solid in the field.”
Hatcher is looking forward to continuing his journey in his adopted home of Melbourne.
“I really enjoyed my first season with the Melbourne Stars – everyone was so welcoming and made me feel at home which helped me to focus on my development and ultimately led to my Big Bash debut,” Hatcher said.
“I am pumped to extend my stay with the Stars for the next two seasons and contribute to the team’s progress on and off the field. The upcoming season is shaping up to be an exciting one, where we will be looking to break back into the Finals.”
Larkin said he was pleased to make a multi-year commitment to the club.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Melbourne Stars and I didn’t have to spend long thinking about continuing that journey. It’s a great club with a group of guys I really enjoy playing alongside and we push each other to be the best we can,” Larkin said.
Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch said contract extensions were good news for fans.
“Liam broke through last season with some great performances – including some 3 wicket hauls that really changed games. Between he and Nick’s broad experience at the Stars and reputation on the scoreboard, we know we’ve secured two important players for the seasons ahead,” Crouch said.
The Melbourne Stars take on Sydney Sixers in their opening game of KFC BBL|11 on December 5 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Stars will play host to Sydney Thunder on December 10 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in their first home game of the season.
Current BBL squad: Glenn Maxwell (C), Hilton Cartwright, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Joe Burns, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Beau Webster, Billy Stanlake, Sam Rainbird, Sam Elliott, Seb Gotch, Clint Hinchliffe, Tom O’Connell, Nick Larkin, Liam Hatcher
