Sandeep Lamichhane returns to Melbourne Stars for entire BBL season

Nepal legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane has re-signed with the Melbourne Stars for the entire Big Bash League 2019.

Lamichhane, 19, played eight games in the BBL last season, taking 11 wickets at 17.72 with an outstanding economy rate of 6.57, including bowling four overs in the final for just 16 runs. But the legspinner missed eight games mid-tournament to play in the Bangladesh Premier League and three T20Is for Nepal against UAE in Dubai, before return for the back-end of the BBL.

The Stars have, however, secured his services for the entirety of the tournament this season, which Trent Woodhill, their list manager, believes is a huge coup for the competition.

"We're really excited to have Sandeep back at the Stars," Woodhill said. "He's a young, energetic and talented legspinner. To secure his signature for the entire Big Bash season is a great testament to the level of the competition and we can't wait to see what he produces this season working in tandem with Adam Zampa.

"He was definitely a fan favourite last season, so it's great that fans will have the opportunity to come and watch someone so exciting for the entire Big Bash campaign."

Lamichhane was excited about returning to Australia after receiving huge support in Melbourne last year.

"It was great fun and a great experience for me last year and I can't wait to join the Stars again," he said. "I would love to see all the Stars fans and especially the Nepalese fans supporting us again this year."

The Stars have made some significant changes to their list ahead of new coach David Hussey's first season in charge. Nathan Coulter-Nile, Hilton Cartwright and Clint Hinchcliffe have all signed with the side, after leaving Perth Scorchers. But Jackson Bird has headed back to the Sydney Sixers after performing well in the Stars' run to the final last year.