Ed Newman called up to Melbourne Stars squad

The Melbourne Stars have added a batsman to their squad as a replacement for Test opener Will Pucovski.

Ed Newman batting for Dandenong last season.

The Melbourne Stars have a new man in their squad.

Ed Newman.

The Dandenong left-hander received a Big Bash League call-up late on Friday and pulled out of Saturday’s Premier match against Casey South Melbourne at Casey Fields.

He’s been added to the squad as a replacement for Test man Will Pucovski and will join it when the Stars arrive in Melbourne this week.

Newman, 21, was a Victorian squad member for two years before being overlooked for a state contract in 2020-21.

He opened the Premier season with an innings of 61 not out against Frankston Penininsula.

Ed Newman takes a spectacular catch for Dandenong last season.

He was run out without facing a ball against Melbourne, made four against Richmond and wasn’t required to bat against Kingston Hawthorn.

Last season he cracked 191 runs at 63.7 in the Victorian Super Slam.

“Yes, he’s been given an opportunity with the Melbourne Stars, which is great for him,’’ Dandenong coach Warren Ayres said yesterday.

“I think that’s his game, the Twenty20 stuff. He’s a good fielder, hits the ball solidly and can bowl a little bit too.

“So hopefully that’s a pathway he finds himself going down.’’

Newman emerged as an AFL draft prospect when playing for Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup in 2017 but chose to pursue cricket.

However he is now training with VFL club Frankston.