Photo Credit: Melbourne Stars
The Melbourne Stars Academy have named a squad of 13 players for the upcoming Top End T20 series in Darwin.
After not being able to participate in the tournament last year, the Stars Academy will make their debut in the series, comprising of games against the Melbourne Renegades, Northern Territory, Cricket Australia XI and Papua New Guinea.
Current Stars BBL Assistant Coach Clint McKay will be head coach of the Melbourne Stars Academy, which is made up of both current squad members and standout premier cricket performers.
“It’s a great opportunity for our contracted players to get some extra match practice in elite facilities in the middle of a Melbourne winter but also for those who aren’t contracted to prove that they’ve got what it takes to get to the next level,” McKay said.
“There’s a number of good quality cricketer’s part of the Top End T20 tournament so I’m sure our players will be able to learn a lot from the experience.”
Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch was looking forward to seeing the Melbourne Stars Academy compete in Darwin.
“NT Cricket has done a fantastic job in bringing the Top End T20 series to life and we’re looking forward to seeing some of our current squad members in action.
“We’re also looking forward to seeing those on the precipice of a BBL contract push their case for a spot on our playing list in BBL|12.”
All games will be broadcast via MyCricket Facebook page and the NT Cricket YouTube Channel.
Melbourne Stars Academy Squad
Liam Blackford, Geelong
Brody Couch, Geelong
Xavier Crone, Carlton
Damon Egan, Prahran
Sam Elliott, Fitzroy Doncaster
Clint Hinchliffe, Melbourne Stars
Nick Larkin, Melbourne Stars
Jai Lemire, Carlton
Jono Merlo, St Kilda
Tom O’Connell, Geelong
Tom O’Donnell, Essendon
Tom Rogers, Ringwood
Brodie Symons, Frankston Peninsula
Melbourne Stars Top End T20 Fixtures:
Saturday, 13th August
Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars
DXC Arena, Darwin, 6pm CST (6:30pm AEST)
Sunday, 14th August
Northern Territory vs Melbourne Stars
Gardens Oval, Darwin, 2:30pm CST (3:00pm AEST)
Tuesday, 16th August
Melbourne Stars vs PNG
DXC Arena, Darwin, 6pm CST (6:30pm AEST)
Thursday, 18th August
CA XI vs Melbourne Stars
DXC Arena, Darwin, 6pm CST (6:30pm AEST)
Name of Author: Melbourne Stars
Melbourne Stars are a Twenty20 cricket franchise based in Melbourne, Victoria, competing in Australia’s Big Bash League. The team wears a green uniform and plays its home matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
