England international Liam Plunkett has signed for Big Bash League side Melbourne Stars after Matt Parkinson was ruled out through injury.

Lancashire spinner Parkinson will be unable to take part in the tournament due to a stress fracture to his back.

And Parkinson’s absence has allowed the Stars to bring in Plunkett, who has played 13 Tests, 74 one-day internationals and 20 Twenty20s for England, as an international replacement.

The paceman is expected to step in for Sandeep Lamichhane while the leg-spinner is at the Bangladesh Premier League.

List manager Trent Woodhill told the Stars’ official website: “It’s obviously disappointing for Matt that he won’t be able to partake in what would have been his first Big Bash season.

“We’d like to wish Matt a very speedy recovery.

“However, this circumstance provides us with an opportunity and in Plunkett we have an experienced and successful white-ball bowler who has excelled for England and Yorkshire.

“We’re excited about the role he will play for us.”