Peter Moores has committed to Melbourne Stars for another two years as head coach in the Big Bash League (BBL), following a season notable for the team’s striking revival. After a rocky start with five consecutive losses, the Stars clinched five straight victories to advance to the finals, only to be stopped by Sydney Thunder in the Knockout final. This season’s champions, Hobart Hurricanes, left the Stars as the only team yet to secure a BBL title.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Moores stated, “I’m absolutely thrilled to sign on for another two years. I’ve already experienced some incredible moments with the club and there was no better place to be last summer than the MCG when we got on a roll. It was a great reminder of what this club and our members and fans are capable of.”
Under the leadership of captain Marcus Stoinis, who Moores believes “will only grow in that role again,” the team looks to further enhance its roster. Presently, they boast a squad of ten, including all-rounder Tom Curran and newcomers Liam Hatcher and Mitchell Swepson. The overseas draft, scheduled for 19 June, offers a chance to bolster the team further. “Our list is in a really good place, and we’ve got a great opportunity to strengthen a couple of key areas in the upcoming draft,” Moores explained. “I’m not putting a limit on what we can all achieve together.”
Stars’ general manager, Max Abbott, acknowledged Moores’ significant role in the team’s success: “The feedback from all parts of the organisation has been overwhelmingly positive in the way Peter led the group as coach over the last two seasons. You don’t come back from a 0-5 start to make the finals without leadership in the dressing room, and that is a testament to the way Peter was able to maintain camaraderie and belief within the playing group to turn the season around.”
Moores’ contract extension follows Andy Christie’s appointment as the Women’s BBL head coach for the Stars on a two-year deal, after parting ways with Jonathan Batty, who managed only two victories in ten games last season.
