Andre Russell joins Melbourne Stars for short Big Bash stint

The allrounder will represent his third club in the BBL, following stints with Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades

Melbourne Stars have signed Andre Russell for a five-game Big Bash cameo.

The West Indies star - who is ranked fifth in the T20 Player Index - will join the Stars for their clash with Sydney Thunder at the MCG on Friday, after completing a mandatory 72 hours of quarantine, and bolsters the squad for the next 19 days.

The allrounder will represent his third club in the BBL, following stints with Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades. 

"To have someone of Andre's quality play for the Melbourne Stars is a huge signing for our club," head coach David Hussey said.

"We want our Stars family to watch the best players in action at the MCG and Andre is world class.

^{Andre Russell is joining Melbourne Stars (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

"I can't wait to work with him in the time that he's here and look forward to his debut on Friday night."

The signing comes the day after confirmation that Haris Rauf will be returning to the Stars this season.

Rauf, who has impressed in two previous stints with the club, will join from December 27.

Stars were in need of the double boost of the pair of signatures, after they suffered a competition-record 152-run defeat at the hands of Sydney Sixers in their first outing of the campaign.

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