A trio of English imports have given Melbourne Stars an exciting top order for 2023, but is their bowling deep enough to threaten for honours? MATTHEW LUDDINGTON takes a look at the how the squad is shaping up going into the new season
Despite assembling star-studded lineups, Melbourne Stars have reached the playoffs only once in eight seasons, ultimately falling short in the final.
Last season the team finished in sixth position. However, the return of captain Meg Lanning, along with the inclusion of a trio of talented English players in the shape of Alice Capsey, Maia Bouchier and Sophia Dunkley offers a glimmer of hope for Stars supporters.
Lanning and her fellow Australia international, the 22-year-old Annabel Sutherland, committed to three-year contracts during the off-season. Under the guidance of head coach Jonathan Batty, the team could well challenge this year.
Batty's vision for this season centres around playing an entertaining brand of cricket, and with the Stars boasting strong batting firepower.
Coach: Jonathan Batty
Captain: Meg Lanning
How good is the batting?
The Stars will field an outstanding batting lineup, filled with explosive talent. Lanning, who boasts two WT20I centuries, is expected to open alongside the talented Dunkley, who recently showcased her good form while playing for Welsh Fire in The Hundred.
Batty couldn't hide his delight at retaining the services of Capsey, saying: "We were really keen to get Capsey back after her first year last year with us – she's one of the most exciting players in world cricket and still only 19 years old."
Capsey scored a stellar 80 not out against Hobart Hurricanes last season, providing fans with a glimpse of her outstanding potential. Another rising star to watch is Sutherland, who has already represented Australia in all three formats aged just 22.
In addition, Bouchier, who secured victories in both The Hundred and the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy this English summer, has consistently delivered excellent performances in this format. Notably, allrounder Tess Flintoff demonstrated her explosive prowess last year by smashing a remarkable 51 not out off just 16 balls for the Stars against the Adelaide Strikers, recording the second-fastest fifty in women's T20 cricket.
Meg Lanning returns to captain Melbourne Stars [Getty Images]
How good is the bowling?
Melbourne Stars possess a diverse array of bowling options. Sutherland is a medium-fast quick who took 21 wickets last year, the leading bowler for the Stars. However, her economy rate of 8 was a touch expensive for a bowler of her quality.
On the other hand, off-spinner Sasha Moloney took 20 wickets with an impressive economy rate of just 6.24.
The team can also rely on medium-fast bowler Kim Garth, who boasts a strong record in international white-ball cricket. Left-arm spinner Sophie Day presents a different kind of threat, adding variety to the bowling attack.
Flintoff is another seam bowling option, and Capsey's off-spin has shown improvement over the past year. Moreover, Rhys McKenna, who skippered Australia at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in January, is eager for more opportunities in the upcoming season.
Why should fans be excited?
Lanning's return to cricket has been typically excellent, with three half-centuries in just four outings. Her presence in the Stars' lineup not only provides much-needed stability at the top but also offers invaluable leadership skills.
Lanning's credentials are impressive. She became Australia's youngest captain at the age of 21, and she is widely recognised for her first-class cricket brain. She has experience working alongside coach Batty.
The addition of the English trio of Dunkley, Capsey, and Bouchier, is exciting, and their presence makes the Stars one of the strongest batting lineups in the competition.
Furthermore, the emergence of young talents like Sutherland and McKenna adds an exciting dimension to the team. The Stars have the potential to compete for the title this season.
Alice Capsey is one of three English players in the squad [Getty Images]
Why should fans be worried?
Melbourne Stars have promised much in the past, but often delivered little on the field.
Whilst the Stars' batting lineup appears highly promising, the bowling department lacks the same level of firepower found in other teams. The absence of express pace and experience within the bowling attack could prove costly. The Stars' choice to prioritise strengthening their batting during the summer recruitment might prove problematic if they struggle to curtail the opponent's scoring effectively.
Inconsistency has haunted the Stars throughout the past two seasons, posing a substantial challenge for coach Batty and captain Lanning to address and overcome.
Squad: Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Olivia Henry, Milly Illingworth, Meg Lanning, Sasha Moloney, Rhys McKenna, Sophie Reid, Annabel Sutherland, Alice Capsey, Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Jas Nevins
Fixtures: October 19 – Sydney Sixers (a 7.40pm); October 21 – Adelaide Strikers (a, 7.10pm); October 24 – Adelaide Strikers (h, 2.30pm); October 27 - Brisbane Heat (a, 8.30pm); October 29 - Perth Scorchers (h, 3.00pm), November 2 - Hobart Hurricanes (a, 7.10pm); November 4 - Sydney Thunder (h, 3.00pm); November 8 - Sydney Sixers (h, 3.00pm), November 10 – Sydney Thunder (a, 3.20pm), November 12 - Melbourne Renegades (a, 1.40pm); November 17 - Hobart Hurricanes (h, 4.10pm); November 19 – Brisbane heat (h, 1.40pm); November 22 - Perth Scorchers (a, 8.10pm); November 25 - Melbourne Renegades (h, 6.10pm); November 26 - Sydney Sixers a, 3.40pm)
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