Quiney backs Stars BBL openers

Jan 13, 2016 - 1:25 AM Melbourne Stars veteran Rob Quiney believes the settled opening duo of Luke Wright and Marcus Stoinis hold the key to their Big Bash League campaign.

Wright is still riding high after his unbeaten century in Stars' local derby win over Melbourne Renegades in front of 80,883 fans at the MCG, but Stoinis has endured a lean run at the top of the batting order since making a half-century in the opening game of BBL05.

"(Wright's) smacking the ball at the moment, which is fantastic, and that's what Stoin is just waiting to do," Quiney told RSN radio on Wednesday.

"He's like a time bomb waiting to go off at the moment and to do that now ... there's no better time.

"I reckon the (batting) order is pretty stable at the moment and everyone just has to play their role."

Stars have the opportunity to secure their fifth BBL semi-final appearance in a row when they host last-placed Brisbane Heat at the MCG on Thursday night.

The green team have won their past four games in a row after an 0-2 start to sit third on the ladder, despite losing key trio Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner and Scott Boland to the Australian limited-overs squad.

Quiney came into the side along with seamer Ben Hilfenhaus and allrounder Evan Gulbis for Saturday's rematch against Renegades, which Stars won comfortably.

Stars are yet to progress past the semi-final stage in four BBL campaigns and Quiney agreed it was important for his side to secure a considerable home ground advantage in front of a big crowd at the MCG.

"That's the ultimate goal - a home semi-final - but in terms of on the field the coach's message is pretty clear to keep it simple and just keep the ball rolling and enjoy ourselves," he said.

"It's a six-week tournament where I think the main thing to focus on is enjoying yourself and showing off your wares."

Source: AAP