Melbourne Stars' strained bowling stocks are set for a boost, with gun allrounder Marcus Stoinis on the verge of returning with the ball.
Stoinis, whose unbeaten 97 from 55 balls set up a much-needed 10-run over the Hobart Hurricanes on Monday night, hasn't yet rolled the arm over in the Big Bash this summer.
He suffered a side strain in Australia's ODI win over India in late November and hasn't bowled since.
"I'm really close," Stoinis said.
"I'm fit, just haven't had the chance to bowl in the nets and that sort of thing. Need to get the body moving. But I feel good."
The Stars are missing spearhead Nathan Coulter-Nile due to a calf injury and were forced to play without Adam Zampa for one match due to his suspension for swearing.
They've had to lean on their rookie quicks, with Sam Rainbird impressing in the win over the Hurricanes with 2-22 off four overs.
"That's part of a squad mentality. It's about getting some games into younger players, less experienced players," Stoinis said.
Stoinis found some form with the bat following a lean trot in recent matches, whacking seven sixes to help the Stars break a three-game losing streak.
There were some nervy moments in the chase at Blundstone Arena, with Ben McDermott's 91 from 58 balls almost getting the Hurricanes to the 164-run target.
"We needed it," Stoinis said of the win.
"Not quite panic stations but wins at this stage of the tournament are really important to take the pressure off.
"It's just 'keep winning these games' and slowly players start coming back. Hopefully we do the opposite to other years and charge into the finals."
The Stars, who now have three wins from seven games, play the up-and-down Brisbane Heat on Thursday.
