Melbourne Stars beat Melbourne Renegades in Big Bash League opener

The Melbourne Stars have comfortably defeated the Melbourne Renegades in the opening match of this season's Big Bash League at the MCG.

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It was the Stars' opening partnership that ultimately won them the match as Englishman Luke Wright fired 70 runs off just 32 balls before he was dismissed off the bowling of Muttiah Muralitharan with the score 95.

His opening partner Cameron White made it to 53 himself as the Stars were in a fine position in the match. When he was gone quick knocks from David Hussey (18) and Brad Hodge (30) took them to a good total of 208.

The Renegades' response did not start well. After a slow first over Alex Doolan went for two before his partner Aaron Finch was caught by Hussey off the bowling of Wright just as he was getting settled.

Jos Buttler (49) and Peter Nevill (25) put up some resistance in the middle order but with four out for ducks in total the Renegades could only manage 132 in response.