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Melbourne Stars young gun Tom O’Connell declares his team as the one to beat in BBL|12

A young Stars bowler has declared his team as the one to beat in the upcoming BBL. Find out why here.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 13: Tom O'Connell of the Stars speaks to media during the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour at GMHBA Stadium on October 13, 2022 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
GEELONG, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 13: Tom O'Connell of the Stars speaks to media during the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour at GMHBA Stadium on October 13, 2022 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Melbourne Stars spinner Tom O’Connell is bullish about his team’s prospects in BBL12, believing his side is the team to beat.

The Stars finished sixth the eight-team competition last season, but the Geelong all-rounder is confident of big things after freshly signing on to remain at the club.

O’Connell said the Stars had a strong list, ready to challenge for the BBL title in the upcoming season.

“I might be biased, but I think the Stars have the best list in the Big Bash, it’s just a matter of time before the Stars get their first title,” he said.

Tom O'Connell of the Stars speaks to media during the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour at GMHBA Stadium. Picture: Morgan Hancock
Tom O'Connell of the Stars speaks to media during the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour at GMHBA Stadium. Picture: Morgan Hancock

“It’s something that we’ve been building towards for the last few years and the amount of good players we’ve got on our list and our good coaching group and everyone around the place.

“I think it’s a matter of time before we actually win our first title.”

O’Connell was at GMHBA Stadium with Melbourne Renegades star Mackenzie Harvey to help launch the T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on Sunday at the Geelong ground.

Mackenzie Harvey of the Renegades and Tom O'Connell of the Stars pose with the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Trophy. Picture: Morgan Hancock
Mackenzie Harvey of the Renegades and Tom O'Connell of the Stars pose with the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Trophy. Picture: Morgan Hancock

The left-handed batter made 231 runs in 11 innings last season for an average of 25.7, and is one of the Renegades’ brightest young stars.

Harvey said he was optimistic the ‘Gades were in a position to improve after a dismal 2021-22 season where they finished last, with younger players getting experience at the level.

“We’ve got a decent list as well, but we’ve got experience in our younger players now,” Harvey said.

We’ve had a couple of years where things haven’t quite gone to plan, but we’ve still got full belief in our squad that we can get to the top and play finals again and really just back our side in to get there.”

Originally published as Melbourne Stars young gun Tom O’Connell declares his team as the one to beat in BBL|12

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/melbourne-stars-young-gun-tom-oconnell-declares-his-team-as-the-one-to-beat-in-bbl12/news-story/159e1e19abe36064d97d8441690841fe