Melbourne Stars all-rounder Evan Gulbis believes the Gold Coast could sustain a BBL team

ONE of the stars of the Big Bash League believes the Gold Coast has the potential to sustain its own T20 team as the city prepares for its first taste of top-level cricket.

MELBOURNE Stars all-rounder Evan Gulbis believes the Gold Coast has the potential to sustain its own Big Bash League team as the city prepares for its first taste of top-level cricket.

Gulbis and teammate Liam Howe were joined on the Coast today by deputy Mayor Donna Gates and Optus Queensland state manager Mark O’Shea to announce the Stars’ January 5 BBL fixture at Metricon Stadium would be proceeded by a 45-minute set from renowned DJ Hot Dub Time Machine.

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The game will follow the Coast’s maiden international fixture - a Twenty20 between Australia and South Africa on Saturday - and Brisbane Heat BBL games at Metricon against Hobart (December 22) and Sydney Sixers (January 1).

With Cricket Australia flagging the idea of BBL expansion in the years ahead, 32-year-old Gulbis, who is preparing for his fourth season with the Stars, said the Glitter Strip’s looming taste of top action could be just the start.

Melbourne Stars all-rounder Evan Gulbis Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

“I definitely could see it in the future,” Gulbis said the Coast having its own BBL side.

“The competition is really strong at the moment. I don’t know how much you want to tinker with that but I could definitely see a lot of games being played up here.

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“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to come up (and play) and I’d like to come up in future years as well. There’s no better place when the sun’s out, you’re on the beach and you’re enjoying life.

“As a child I came up here a few times for family holidays so it’s fantastic to be back today and it will be great in January as well. There’ll be big hits, big wickets and big catches.

“It’s a fantastic pace to bring your families and I’ll really enjoy bringing mine up here for this season’s game.”

Bowe, a 21-year-old spinner with just six BBL games under his belt, called on Coast cricket fans to adopt the Stars when do battle in January.

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“Hopefully we get a few green supporters. I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“The weather will be great here … it’s a pretty nice place to travel up to. Hopefully if I get a crack I can cement a spot (this season) or at least continue positively. It’ll be tough for spots but if I get a go hopefully I can succeed.”