Star English batter Dan Lawrence has been signed by BBL (Big Bash League) side Melbourne Stars. The 26-year-old was signed as an overseas replacement and will play the remainder of the tournament after Stars lost the services of Usama Mir and Haris Rauf due to international duty.
Lawrence has four games of experience playing in the BBL, where he represented Brisbane Heat in the 2020 season. He was nominated for the draft back in September but was not selected.
Haris Rauf had to leave the Stars’ camp midway after he was called up to play for Pakistan in their upcoming limited-overs tour of New Zealand in January 2024. It is worth noting that the first game of the series against New Zealand is not until January 12, but the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) only allowed No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Rauf, Mir, and Sydney Thunder signing Zaman Khan to play in the BBL until December 28 to better manage the workload of the players.
Lawrence’s arrival could be a big boost for Stars, as the franchise has been quite unlucky with their overseas signings in the tournament. The side picked Harry Brook in the overseas draft, but Brook opted out of the competition to better manage his workload.
Stars hope for improved performances following new signing
Melbourne Stars have had a subpar season so far in the ongoing BBL 2023–24. Having played five games in the tournament so far, Stars have managed to win two matches and have lost the remaining three matches.
Sitting in fourth place with four points, Stars will hope that with Lawrence’s arrival, their batting lineup will get some much-needed boost, and they will hope to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament as well.
For their next game, Stars will take centre stage against Adelaide Strikers in the 20th game of the competition at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday, December 31. Winning their last two matches, Melbourne Stars will be keen on maintaining their winning run and move up in the points table.
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