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Haris Rauf & Usama Mir Released For National Duties As Melbourne Stars Update BBL Squad

image-lqrx0vxhDan Lawrence will turn for Stars [X.com]

Melbourne Stars have secured the services of star English batter Dan Lawrence for the ongoing season of the Big Bash League (BBL). The 26-year-old has been signed as an overseas replacement, filling the void left by Usama Mir and Haris Rauf, who are unavailable due to international duty.

Lawrence, who brings four games of BBL experience from his stint with Brisbane Heat in the 2020 season, was nominated for the draft in September but went unselected. 

Although he hasn't featured in white-ball games for England, the 26-year-old has played 11 Tests and returns to the BBL after a brief stint with Brisbane Heat during the Covid-disrupted 2020-21 season.

Arrived in Australia last week, Lawrence is expected to make his appearance against the Adelaide Strikers on New Year's Eve, aiming to strengthen the underperforming top order of the Stars.

Melbourne Stars boss Blair Crouch voiced his excitement about Lawrence's inclusion, stating, 

“We’re thrilled to secure someone of Dan’s talent, and he’ll provide another powerful striking option at the top of our order. We’re looking forward to welcoming him to the Stars and can’t wait to see him on some of the biggest stages, including the New Year’s Eve game in Adelaide, the derby at the MCG, and the remainder of the season.”

Rauf had to leave the Stars' camp midway after being called up to play for Pakistan in their upcoming limited-overs tour of New Zealand in January 2024. 

While the series against New Zealand starts on January 12, the PCB only granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Rauf, Usama Mir, and Sydney Thunder signing Zaman Khan to participate in the BBL until December 28, ensuring better workload management for the players.

Lawrence's signing follows the replacement of Pakistan's Zaman Khan with English T20 specialist Tom Kohler-Cadmore by the Sydney Thunder. 

The 29-year-old Kohler-Cadmore, who emerged as the leading run-scorer in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, has scored over 4000 T20 runs at a striking rate of 140.


Melbourne Stars Updated Squad for the BBL 13

Scott Boland, Joe Burns, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Dawson, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell ©, Jono Merlo, Joel Paris, Corey Rocchiccioli, Tom Rogers, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Olly Stone, Imad Wasim, Beau Webster, Dan Lawrence