Injury-plagued Melbourne Stars have managed to acquire the services of Andre Russell for a five-match stint in the ongoing Big Bash League. The flamboyant allrounder will be available for Melbourne’s first home encounter against Sydney Thunder at the MCG this Friday.

Coincidentally, Russell has played for the Thunder in the past. The T20 superstar from the West Indies played 15 matches for the Thunder across three seasons and prior to that, he also played four encounters for Melbourne Renegades. Overall, he has scored 296 runs at a strike rate of 166.29 in this tournament. He has also taken 23 wickets with an economy rate of 7.97.   

"To have someone of Andre's quality play for the Melbourne Stars is a huge signing for our club. We want our Stars family to watch the best players in action at the MCG and Andre is world class. I can't wait to work with him in the time that he's here and look forward to his debut on Friday night," said head coach David Hussey.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Stars General Manager, Blair Crouch said: "We cannot wait to see Andre at the MCG in front of some big crowds this summer. At the Stars, we always strive to have world class players for our members and fans to admire, and Andre falls comfortably into that category. We look forward to seeing him entertain and thrill everyone."

Russell is currently completing his mandatory 72 hours quarantine after flying into Sydney. The 33-year-old recently smoked 90* off 32 deliveries in the finale of the Abu Dhabi T10 2021/22. Russell has smashed 6430 runs in 387 T20s at a strike rate of 169.56. On top of that, he has also claimed 343 wickets.

Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf will also make his return on December 27 and will remain with the franchise for the rest of the season.