Melbourne Stars name David Hussey as their captain
David Hussey is all set to take the reins of Melbourne Stars, and James Faulkner has been named his deputy for the Big Bash League season 2015, reported cricket.com.au.
David Hussey says he will work closely with James Faulkner as they look to snap the run of the team’s KFC T20 Big Bash League semi-finals losses in the past few seasons. David Hussey was named as captain after Michael Clarke stepped down as he wanted a long extended break from cricket and ex-Captain Cameron White moved to rivals Melbourne Renegades.
It was a known fact that Hussey was to step into the captain’s role if Clarke stepped down, but the 38-year old has called his full time appointment as ‘interesting’. “It’s an interesting decision by the Melbourne Stars,” Hussey told Cricket.com.au.
Faulkner may be future Melbourne Stars captain: Hussey
Hussey also said he will look to groom Faulkner into a future captain and never wants to stand in between a young player who is coming through.
He said, “James Faulkner’s going to be the vice-captain and he’s going to be a great person to bounce ideas off. I’ve also learnt from two great captains before me in Shane Warne and Cameron White.”
“James Faulkner, hopefully we can work together and maybe he’s going to be a future captain of the Melbourne Stars, maybe next year or the year after,” the younger of the Hussey brothers said.
Clarke signed a two-year deal with the Melbourne franchise, but earlier this month announced he would step away from all playing commitments, to give his body and mind time to recover after his retirement from international cricket.
Have good working relation with Hussey: Fleming
The Stars have fallen always at the semi final stage in the first four BBL seasons, crashing out in the semi-finals, so Hussey is setting clear goals for BBL|05. “I’m really focused on helping the Melbourne Stars. I want to win some silverware,” he said.
Hussey also said it was extremely frustrating to go out of the competition on the penultimate hurdle “It is frustrating. We’ve been semi-finalists every year since the inception of the competition.”
The Stars have former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming coaching them this season, the club has also signed young leg-spinner Adam Zampa from the Strikers and former Hurricanes pair Evan Gulbis and Ben Hilfenhaus. Fleming has played alongside Hussey in the Championship for Nottinghamshire, so he knows the Victorian well. Talking about Hussey being the captain this is what he had to say, “It’s nice to have a strong Victorian presence as captain.”
“To be working with him is quite a key component because I know him so well,” Fleming said.
The two international spots in their team have been filled by the English pair of Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright.
Shane Warne was rumored to make a comeback and captain the Melbourne Stars after Clarke stepped down but he came out on Twitter to put the rumors to rest saying he will not be making a comeback.
The Melbourne Stars kick start their season against the Adelaide Strikers on December 18.
I have no plans to come out of retirement & captain the Melb Stars. Flattered that people would like me too & glad you miss me playing !!