Melbourne Stars sign Dilbar Hussain for Big Bash

The 27-year-old hadn't played any hard ball cricket until 2018 when he entered regional trials for the Qalanders

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Melbourne Stars have signed fast bowler Dilbar Hussain for the upcoming edition of the Big Bash.

Hussain, who hails from Faisalabad in Pakistan, will be available for the full campaign having only played one match last season.

The 27-year-old hadn’t played any hard ball cricket until 2018 when he entered regional trials for the Qalanders.

Hussain played for the Qalandars in the recent Pakistan Super League alongside Stars batsman Ben Dunk.

“I’m very happy to be coming back to the Melbourne Stars for the Big Bash,” Hussain said. “In the short time I was with the club last season I learnt so much. I’d like to thank David Hussey who was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to keep working on my craft.”

Stars head coach David Hussey added: “I’m looking forward to working with Dilbar again this season and supporting his development together with our wider bowling group.

“His Stars debut was a whirlwind last year – it was his first senior T20 match and he effectively came down to Melbourne at very short notice and ended up bowling to AB de Villiers at the MCG.

“He's a genuine 140km/hr bowler with a good yorker and an incredible slower ball. With another year of experience and his time in the PSL, we’re keen to see what Dilbar brings to the table for us this year. The fact that not many players have faced him before can be a real advantage for us.”

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