BBL 2017/18: Melbourne Stars Name New Captain
32-year old Aussie John Hastings might be an experienced customer in the game, but the cricketer finds himself ahead of an entirely one challenge in the Big Bash League.
The bowling all-rounder has been appointed as the new captain for the Melbourne Stars and will take charge when the team steps onto the field in the upcoming Big Bash season.
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Hastings, who was named the Bradman cricketer of the Year in the year of 2009-10, will take over the duties from David Hussey who led the side in the two previous seasons of the KFC Big Bash League.
Hastings had already parted ways from his first-class, and One Day International career but is an active participant in the Big Bash. He described his appointment as the Melbourne captain as a ‘proud’ moment.
“I feel very privileged but I also feel like I’m prepared and I’m ready,” the all-rounder said. “It’s a club that I’m very close to, I’ve been here since inception so I would love to look back on my career and have captained a few victories and even a championship,” he added.
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Melbourne Stars will hope for a fruitful season under Hastings, as they continue their hunt for their maiden Big Bash title. As far as Hastings is concerned, he had already made Aussie international Glenn Maxwell his trump card for the season.
“Maxi’ is set for a big year, I’ve been watching him closely over the last few years, and his game looks in great order,” Hastings said.
“His shot selection and just the timing he has at the moment, he’s very good bowler as well, and I’ll definitely be bowling him a little bit more too,” he added. “He’s got some good skills with the ball. He’s a type of bloke that if you get into the game and really give him a bit of ownership, it makes him play so much better, so hopefully, we can draw that out of him.”
Speaking about his relationship with the team members, Hastings spoke of a noble one.
“I’ve been working closely with Steve Fleming and our coaches, and I’ve been speaking closely to our ex-captain David Hussey,” said Hastings. “I’ll be working closely with ‘Maxi’ and Faulkner, they’ll be my two go to men out there, and I’ve got a great relationship with all the boys,” he concluded.
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