West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will return to the Big Bash this season, signing on with the Melbourne Stars.
The 33-year-old hasn't played for a BBL franchise since the 2016/17 season with the Thunder, where he became a fan-favourite during his two years in Sydney.
Russell has played 387 domestic T20 games across the globe, as well as a further 67 for the West Indies, and is one of the most exciting and dynamic players in the game.
"To have someone of Andre's quality play for the Melbourne Stars is a huge signing for our club. We want our Stars family to watch the best players in action at the MCG and Andre is world class. I can't wait to work with him in the time that he's here and look forward to his debut on Friday night," Melbourne Stars Coach, David Hussey said.
Russell has scored 6,430 runs across his career in T20 cricket at an average of 26.24, while his work with ball in hand is just as strong, taking 343 wickets at an average of 25.69.
His addition to the Stars squad couldn't have come at a better time, with the side going down to the Sixers in the season opener by 152 runs - the largest defeat in Big Bash history.
Russell will join fellow import Qais Ahmad later this week.
Dre Russ is a Star 👑#TeamGreen
— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) December 8, 2021
Russell is currently completing his mandatory 72 hours quarantine after flying into Sydney, after a man of the match performance of 90* (32 balls) to propel his Deccan Gladiators to the Abu Dhabi T10 title.
Russell will play 5 games for the Melbourne Stars starting on Friday against the Sydney Thunder at the MCG.