BBL Update: Lamichhane returns to Melbourne Stars, Morris joins Sydney Thunder

Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has re-signed with the Melbourne Stars for his second stint in the Big Bash League. The 19-year old will be available for the whole of 2019-20 season in Australia.

Lamichhane became the first cricketer from Nepal to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2018. He then joined hands with the Melbourne Stars last year, picking 11 wickets in eight matches. Having left the Stars camp midway to be part of the Bangladesh Premier League and Nepal’s  T20I squad for their Sri Lanka series, he then returned for the last leg of the BBL. In his absence, Australia’s Adam Zampa became their most successful spinner and guided the team to the final.

I am delighted to be returning to The @StarsBBL again. Last season was a great experience for me and I am looking forward to being part of the team @StarsBBL again and hopefully winning The @BBL.
(@SayaCorps @TalhaAisham @CricketRaman @CricketNep ) pic.twitter.com/XZzRqQZ58d

— Sandeep Lamichhane (@IamSandeep25) September 16, 2019

“We’re really excited to have Sandeep back at the Stars,” said Trent Woodhill, Stars’ list manager.

“He’s a young, energetic and talented leg-spinner. To secure his signature for the entire Big Bash season is a great testament to the level of the competition and we can’t wait to see what he produces this season working in tandem with Adam Zampa.

“He was definitely a fan favourite last season so it’s great that fans will have the opportunity to come and watch someone so exciting for the entire Big Bash campaign.”

Meanwhile, Sydney Thunders have roped in South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris for the upcoming BBL edition. The experienced campaigner has represented the Proteas in all three formats and has been playing for Hampshire in England lately.

“Obviously since the tournament started with the Big Bash, it’s one of the tournaments that any cricketer would want to play in,” Morris said.

“For me the way I looked at it was, it was part of my cricketing career bucket list.

“It was a no brainer when Sydney Thunder came calling.”

Thunder’s crosstown rivals Sydney Sixers have added England batsman James Vince to their squad in a bid to strengthen their top order. The Hampshire captain had replaced fellow countryman Joe Denly in the Sixers line-up for the latter half of the last season.

“My family and I were made to feel very welcome at the Sixers and had a wonderful time living in Sydney,” he said.

The SCG is an amazing stadium to play at and we had some great support there last season. I look forward to more of the same this season. Having lost out in the semis in BBL|08, I’m hoping we can go all the way this time around.”

“There is a huge amount of talent in the squad and some great people at the club. I’m looking forward to contributing to what is hopefully going to be a great BBL for the Sixers.”