Melbourne Stars skipper Marcus Stoinis was stunned to see his bat break during the opening match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 season against Perth Scorchers. A video of Marcus Stoinis’ broken bat surfaced on social media as the right-handed batter called for another willow during the match.
The Melbourne Stars had a horror start after winning the toss and opting to bat in Perth on Sunday, December 15. Perth Scorchers’ pacer bowled a maiden over to begin the match. The Stars took nine balls to score their first run. To make matters worse, the Stars collapsed to 3/2 during the powerplay.
Joe Clarke was dismissed for a nine-ball duck, followed by Sam Harper, who was trapped LBW by Jhye Richardson for 1. Marcus Stoinis came to the crease at the No. 4 position. Opener Thomas Fraser Rogers attempted to support him but was dismissed for 14 after a failed ramp shot against Behrendorff.
Watch: Marcus Stoinis Surprised as Bat Breaks During BBL Opener
The incident took place on the fourth ball of the 12th over in the Melbourne Stars’ innings. Stoinis broke his bat while slicing a low full toss from Jhye Richardson towards short third man. The handle broke, forcing a break in play as Stoinis called for a replacement bat and showed the damage to his willow.
Take a look at the video of the incident below:
🚨 Broken bat 🚨
It wouldn’t be the Big Bash without this! #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/veb2VyHLJx
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 15, 2024
Stoinis was dismissed just two balls after replacing his broken bat. He was run out by a direct hit from Andrew Tye, leaving him short of the crease. Stoinis was dismissed for 37 runs off 33 balls, including three fours and one six. The Stars managed to score 146 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs.
It’s Not Been Straight Forward – Melbourne Stars Coach Peter Moores
Melbourne Stars coach Peter Moores acknowledged the nervous start but praised the team’s calm approach, especially Stoinis’ composure. He stated the team was aiming for a total of around 160 runs in 20 overs.
“It’s not been straight forward.. we came in thinking we’d have to play well in the back half of the game. The lads still feel confident,” Moores told Fox Cricket.
“There wasn’t much conversation to be fair – we were all quiet. It was tough. I think we were 13 after three overs. 10 overs to go… we’ve got a great chance. (Stoinis) seemed really calm, clear in what he has to do… I like it when players are calm,” he said of the opening power play.
Playing XI for Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars in BBL 2024-25 Opener
Perth Scorchers: Keaton Jennings (import), Finn Allen (import), Cooper Connolly, Matthew Hurst, Ashton Turner (c), Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Lance Morris
Melbourne Stars: Tom Rogers, Joe Clarke (import), Sam Harper, Marcus Stoinis (c), Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Tom Curran (import), Hamish McKenzie, Adam Milne (import), Brody Couch, Peter Siddle
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