Australia pacer Scott Boland has signed a three-year deal with Big Bash League (BBL) outfit Melbourne Stars, which is also his original home franchise in the tournament.
Boland, who is currently on national duty with the Asutralian Test side in England for the ongoing Ashes, spent three seasons with Hobart Hurricanes before giving up a BBL deal in 2022.
Boland, 34, had earlier played for the Stars from 2013-2019, in 31 games.
Boland, who holds a Cricket Australia contract for the 2023/24 season, gained cult status in Melbourne following his heroics on Test debut during the Boxing Day Test against England at the MCG in December 2021, registering an impressive figure of 6/7 to claim Player of the Match award.
“I can’t wait to be a part of the Big Bash again and it’s great to be back at home with the Melbourne Stars in front of family and friends at the MCG. The Stars have the best fans in the league and hopefully I can be a part of some success and that elusive first BBL title,” said Boland in a statement issued by the club.
Notably, Melbourne Stars were placed at the bottom of the points table of BBL in the previous season, managing just three wins from their 14 matches.
Signing back Boland, who has scalped 70 wickets in the BBL at an economy rate of 8.47, is a part of the club’s strategy to develop a strong squad for the upcoming BBL season.