Big Bash player signing window is open and Joe Burns has decided to move to Melbourne

The Big Bash player signing window is open and the moves are starting to happen, with a former Test batsman making a big one.

The big moves are starting as the Big Bash trade window opens, and former Test opener Joe Burns has jumped through it.

Burns, 31, has joined the Melbourne Stars for the upcoming season after playing all his 59 BBL matches with the Brisbane Heat.

He has signed with the Stars until the end of the 2023-24 season as roster changes continue for coach David Hussey, with underperforming batsman Nic Maddinson set to be jettisoned. .

“It was obviously a difficult decision leaving the Heat after being there for so long; however, I am ready for a new challenge at the Stars,” Burns said.

“The Melbourne Stars have been a very strong team over the years and I’m excited to join the team and I can’t wait to get stuck into training with my new teammates.”

Burns, who lost his spot in the Test team last summer, has an impressive BBL record, scoring 1192 runs with a strike rate of 123.52 in his 59 matches.

Perennial finalists, the Stars won just five matches last season under Hussey, who welcomed Burns.

“We are excited to welcome Joe to our squad for the next three seasons, especially given the experience and batting depth he adds to the squad,” Hussey said.

“We are building a strong group with a lot of star power so hopefully we can play in front of our home fans and make it a special summer.”

Welcome to the Stars, Joe 💚 #TeamGreen

— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) August 3, 2021

The Stars did sign English star Jonny Bairstow last season as their main import, but he was unable to take part in the tournament.

An international player drafted was scrapped by BBL officials because of Covid restrictions on players entering the country.

But the player contracting embargo has lifted, and there are expected to be moves aplenty.

Maddinson is expected to cross to the Melbourne Renegades, while the Stars could gain all-rounder Beau Webster from the Red team.