Hard-hitting England batter Harry Brook on Thursday pulled out of playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) this season with the Melbourne Stars due to workload concerns.

Brook signed on for the Twenty20 tournament in September and was set to join the Stars for seven games after England’s tour of the West Indies in December.

“Naturally we’re disappointed that Harry [Brook] has withdrawn from the BBL, but we understand his decision with his increased workload,” Stars general manager Blair Crouch said in a statement.

“Given Harry was set to miss the opening 3 matches, the club had already signed a replacement player for that period.

“Currently the coaching staff and list management team are discussing options for the remainder of the tournament and we look forward to announcing those signings once they have been finalised.”

“We obviously rate Harry extremely highly and we would have loved to have seen him at the MCG alongside Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis this summer.”

Harry Brook’s withdrawal comes just three weeks before the 13th BBL season starts, with the Stars facing Brisbane Heat at the Gabba first up.

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