Melbourne Stars players fighting for new Big Bash contracts

KEVIN Pietersen headlines six Melbourne Stars players coming out of contract with the franchise to conduct a formal list review at the end of the summer.

Kevin Pietersen is one of several Stars out of contract. Picture: AAP

CONTRACTS for one third of Melbourne Stars’ players will expire at the end of the summer as pressure rises to turn their winless season around in Saturday night’s blockbuster derby.

More than 60,000 fans are expected at the MCG for the clash with Big Bash League title favourites the Melbourne Renegades.

The Stars will conduct a formal list review at the end of the summer after making minimal changes in recent years.

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Kevin Pietersen headlines six players coming out of contract. Captain John Hastings and star Glenn Maxwell have deals for next season.

But there will not be wholesale changes to the line-up against the Renegades.

Club powerbrokers have backed the world-class talent to convert a 0-3 start into a competitive summer.

Kevin Pietersen hasn’t had the same impact for the Stars this season. Picture: Getty Images

The Stars hope the expansion from eight to 10 matches this season helps them make a run at the finals.

They have played semi-finals every season but have not won the title.

Axed Australian batsman Peter Handscomb will be welcomed back and Scott Boland is likely to get a recall.

Handscomb will play out the season with the Stars along with Maxwell and James Faulkner, who were all left out of Australia’s ODI squad.

Legspinner Adam Zampa and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will join Australia’s ODI team on Tuesday.

The Stars have won six of their past seven matches against the Renegades but start tonight as underdogs.

Maxwell blasted his team as “putrid” after the nine-wicket loss to Brisbane Heat.

Stars keeper Peter Handscomb will play out the rest of the BBL season. Picture: Getty Images

Bowling coach Mick Lewis was confident of his plans for Renegades captain Aaron Finch

“Finchy’s been a good match-up for us,” Lewis said.

“Since I’ve been bowling coach I think he’s only scored maybe one 50 against us. We know how much of a linchpin he’s been to that side.”

Finch said the Gades would not take the Stars lightly.

“You do your planning and preparation for every side, just as diligently as you do for another,” he said.

“The Stars have still got a quality side and they’ve got some real firepower there.They haven’t played their best, but they’re due,” he said.