But while he had been a mainstay in Victoria's first-class attack for a decade and pushed himself into the Test ranks, he had not been a regular in Stars' line-up during his six seasons between 2013-14 and 2018-19, playing just 31 matches. He moved to Hobart Hurricanes in 2019-20 and played 26 matches over two seasons but did not play at all last summer as he played in three of Australia's five home Tests.

Stars took the opportunity to offer him a deal to return to the BBL.

"I can't wait to be a part of the Big Bash again and it's great to be back at home with the Melbourne Stars in front of family and friends at the MCG," Boland said. "The Stars have the best fans in the league and hopefully I can be a part of some success and that elusive first BBL title."

Meanwhile, Heat were pleased to re-sign Kuhnemann long-term after he was courted by several clubs following his outstanding BBL last season where his 16 wickets and economy rate of 7.57 were a key part of Heat's run to the final.