The Melbourne Stars have secured New Zealand pacer Adam Milne for a pre-Christmas stint in the BBL, replacing Pakistan leg-spinner Usama Mir, who is set to miss the first three games of the season.

Usama Mir will miss the first three games of the season against the Scorchers, Brisbane Heat, and Adelaide Strikers, which will take place across three cities within five days. To cover for his absence, the Stars have brought in Adam Milne for those matches. Milne previously featured in the BBL for the Sydney Thunder during the 2020-21 season, claiming five wickets in 12 games with an economy rate of 7.56.

"To be able to secure someone of Adam's talent and experience is a huge boost for the squad for the first three games," Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch said. "Adam knows Australian conditions well, we value what he will add to the squad and we look forward to seeing what he can produce."

Milne will also step in for Scott Boland, who is on Test duty. The Stars might be without all-rounder Beau Webster for at least the opening game in Perth, as he is likely to stay with the Test squad for the third match against India in Brisbane, starting December 14. The Stars' second BBL match against the Heat coincides with the fifth day of the third Test, leaving Webster's availability dependent on his release from the Test squad, subject to Mitchell Marsh's fitness.