Squad Breakdown: Stars analysis, predicted XI

The Melbourne Stars will once again be out to end their Big Bash title drought in 2020/21. They fell agonisingly short of ending the hoodoo last season, finishing first on the table before falling in the final to the Sydney Sixers. Consistency hasn’t been an issue having made the finals in eight of nine seasons, but with stacked rosters they’ve certainly had few excuses. They again enter the tournament as serious contenders, having secured the signatures of Nicholas Pooran, Will Pucovski and Zahir Khan, all of whom will feature at different stages. Jonny Bairstow is out of the tournament and will be replaced by West Indian wic