SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 28: Andre Russell of the Thunder celebrates after claiming the wicket of Brad Hodge of the Strikers during the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers at Spotless Stadium on December 28, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell could be the Melbourne Stars' saviour following their 152-run loss to the Sydney Sixers to open the new Big Bash season.

The 33-year-old is coming off a sensational campaign with the Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10 competition, amassing 90 runs from 32 balls in the competition's final during the weekend to claim the championship and man of the match honours.

The Kingston-born star has previously been a key pillar for both the Renegades and Thunder across multiple stints in the BBL, arriving as a formidable international recruit with both the bat and ball.

Now, according to multiple reports, the Stars are set to gain Russell's services for the 11th instalment of the BBL.

The Stars were without Marcus Stoinis, Joe Burns and Nathan Coulter-Nile in their defeat to the Sixers, seeing the likes of Peter Nevill, Sam Elliott and Brody Couch feature for David Hussey's side.

The Stars coach flagged the club are set to welcome a high-profile international signing in the coming weeks in an interview during his side's abysmal showing against the Sixers on Sunday night.

"Hopefully next Friday night at the MCG, all the Stars fans can turn out and see probably one of the world's best T20 players turn up to play," Hussey said. 

The record loss has placed the Stars with an early uphill battle, with the likes of Stoinis, Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell likely to be required for international duties at the latter end of the summer.

According to AAPthe Stars could also welcome Pakistan right-arm fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal in the coming weeks, with he and Russell requiring clearance from Cricket Australia.