Billy Stanlake joins Melbourne Stars in trade with Adelaide Strikers-bound Daniel Worrall

The 25-year-old 6ft 8ins quick links up with the three-time runners-up ahead of the 2020-21 edition

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Melbourne Stars have signed Billy Stanlake for the new Big Bash League season, in a swap deal involving fellow seamer Daniel Worrall who has joined Adelaide Strikers.

Twenty-five-year-old Australia international Stanlake has taken 34 wickets across five seasons in the BBL for the Strikers.

Currently preparing to play in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League with Sunrisers Hyderabad, the 6ft 8ins seamer will link up with the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa at the MCG.

"The Melbourne Stars have been a very successful club for a long time in the BBL," he said of the three-time runners-up

"While they haven’t lifted the trophy yet, they have been a serious contender almost every season and I hope I can contribute to taking that final step.

"I’m looking forward to meeting up with the guys later in the year and getting stuck into what I’m sure will be a slightly different campaign to normal but it’ll be great to get underway."

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Coach David Hussey added: "It’s never that nice as a batsman to have the ball coming down from that height at you and when Billy is up in the 140km zone with a good yorker and bouncer, he’s a very difficult bowler to contend with.

"I’d also like to thank Dan Worrall for his commitment to the Stars over many seasons. He has been a good performer for the Stars, and we wish him well as he continues his BBL career at home in Adelaide."

Worrall meanwhile has taken 26 wickets during his seven years with the Strikers and played five matches during their title-winning 2017-18 campaign.

"I’m grateful to be moving to the Strikers this season and hopefully starting a new, successful chapter," he said.

"Adelaide has been home to me for the last eight years, and to play in front of a packed Adelaide Oval for the Strikers is something I just can’t wait for.

"Working with Jason Gillespie and a new group of players is an exciting opportunity that I am looking forward to at this stage of my career."

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