In the modern age of social media, promoting a sporting team is all about getting “likes”.
But no one seems to like BBL minor premiers the Melbourne Stars and allrounder John Hastings isn’t bothered at all.
“A lot of teams out there and a lot of people would like to see us lose, that’s for sure,” Hastings told reporters on Wednesday.
“I don’t think we’re a very liked side but, on the other hand, I think that will spur us on.
“There’s a lot of guys in our changerooms that I suppose use that as motivation.”
The Stars can boast five players competing in this week’s three-game T20 series between Australia and England.
England’s Luke Wright and Australia’s Glenn Maxwell, James Muirhead, Matt Wade and Cameron White are expected to return from national duties to play for the Stars in their semi-final against the Hobart Hurricanes on February 4 at the MCG.
The Stars are determined to improve on their semi-final exits of the past two summers.
“There’ll always be nerves going into big games,” former Test seamer Hastings said.
“Having eight and zip on the sheet (winning eight out of eight games) looks a bit better and feels a bit better.
“Everyone will be really confident heading into Tuesday night, having beaten the Hurricanes already.
“We definitely don’t need any more motivation than a big game and a semi-final and home crowd as well … rather than not making the final last year.
“It has been at the back of our minds.
“I don’t think it is something that will be spoken about.”
David Hussey’s verbal clashes with Hurricanes paceman Ben Laughlin and Scorchers spinner Brad Hogg have highlighted a steely edge to the Stars’ side.
Hogg was fined 20 per cent of his match fee for using abusive language towards the departing batsman Hussey.
“Dave gives as good as he gets, don’t worry about that,” Hastings said.
“If there is a little bit of niggle out there, he can certainly take it.”
With 14 wickets in five Sheffield Shield games and 12 BBL victims, Hastings says his non-selection for Australia’s Test tour of South Africa was interesting.
“I don’t think I could be bowling better,” he said after being overlooked in favour of NSW allrounder Moises Henriques.
“There’s nothing really I can do with that. I’ve just got to keep performing.”