Photo Credit: Melbourne Stars
The Melbourne Stars have secured the key signing of talented all-rounder Beau Webster ahead of KFC BBL|11.
The right-handed middle order batsman has put pen to paper on a three-year Stars contract after four seasons with cross-town rivals the Melbourne Renegades.
Webster has amassed over 750 runs in his Big Bash career to date, highlighted by a breakout KFC BBL|09 campaign where he tallied three half centuries on his way to being awarded the Renegades’ Player of the Season.
Webster will feature online today alongside fellow Melbourne Stars player Elyse Villani modelling the new Melbourne Stars Nike on-field kit launched nationally.
Tasmanian-born Webster holds six First Class centuries along with 61 wickets and finished last season strongly with scores of 51 not out and 135 not out.
The 27-year-old said he was looking forward to new beginnings and helping the Stars taste the ultimate success in KFC BBL|11.
“I’d like thank everyone at the Renegades for the opportunity over the last four years. I am pretty excited about committing to the Stars. The club has been one of the form teams in the competition for a long time and I’m looking forward to working with David Hussey, Glenn Maxwell and getting to know the whole group,” Webster said.
“I think there are a few roles I can play in T20 cricket – with both bat and ball. I’ve always loved playing at the MCG and I can’t wait to get out into the middle and start playing some cricket with the Stars. I know the lads are keen to make amends after last season’s campaign and I look forward to contributing to the success with this group.”
Melbourne Stars BBL Head Coach David Hussey said Webster will be a valuable addition to an already strong squad.
“Beau is a terrific person who will fit well in our group. More than that, he’s proven in recent seasons that he can lift his strike rate and be really damaging with the bat at key points in an innings. He’s got a real ability to change up both our batting and bowling attacks and that versatility is something we’re always looking for in T20 cricket,” Hussey said.
Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch said he was pleased with the signing of Webster and to see the new Stars kit unveiled.
“Beau’s signing strengthens our squad even further – we are excited to see our men’s team taking shape,” Crouch said.
“It’s great for our fans to see our new on-field uniforms which mark a fantastic new era for the competition. The Big Bash is nearly here with the Weber WBBL starting in under a month. We can’t wait to see Melbourne Stars fans all around Australia cheer on Team Green this season.”
Current 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
