Haris Rauf joins Melbourne Stars as cover for injured Dale Steyn

The Big Bash franchise have also bolstered their coaching group in the form of Luke Wright, who will lead the batting alongside David Hussey

Melbourne Stars will be without Dale Steyn for their Big Bash League opener against Brisbane Heat and have enlisted Pakistani Haris Rauf as his short-term replacement.

Steyn has signed up for the opening six matches of the tournament but a side strain picked up during the Mzansi Super League has seen him omitted from the squad for the Stars' first game.

Pat Brown was due to replace the South Africa seamer once his spell is completed but has been overlooked to face the Heat having not played since November 22 in the T10 League.

The inexperienced Rauf will act as a stand-in for the match having enjoyed an encouraging Pakistan Super League campaign with Lahore Qalanders.

"Our priority is Dale’s fitness and continuing his treatment," physiotherapist Tommy Simsek said. "He is very keen to play but we’ll let him rest after a long flight to Australia and put him in the best position to be ready for our match in Moe on Sunday."

Multiple super overs, a new format and Smith's return... BIG BASH 2019-20 THINGS TO WATCH

Elsewhere, the Stars have bolstered their coaching department ahead of their first match of the competition, adding former player Luke Wright as batting coach.

Across 57 outings for the Stars between 2011 and 2018, Wright scored 1480 runs at an average of 29.01, with a highest score of 117.

He joined a coaching team led by David Hussey will include bowling lead Clint McKay, fielding chief Jarrad Loughman and director of cricket Trent Woodhill.

"I’ve missed being a part of the Stars group last season so when the opportunity came up to be involved as batting coach, I jumped at it," said former England batsman Wright.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Huss and helping a really exciting and talented bunch of players prepare for the matches. I can’t wait to get started.”

Subscribe to The Cricketer this Christmas and receive a £20 John Lewis voucher or Alastair Cook’s autobiography. Claim your free gift here