Kevin Pietersen top-scored with 66 for Melbourne Stars but ended up on the losing side in the opening match of the Big Bash League.

The controversial England exile had a best of 39 in 12 matches for Surrey in last year’s T20 Blast but rediscovered his form against Adelaide Strikers, hitting four sixes and two fours in his 44-ball stay.

Another out-of-favour Englishman, Luke Wright, was the only other player to reach double figures in the Stars’ 148 for seven, the Sussex all-rounder hitting 45 in 37 deliveries.

Wright, who has excelled in the league before, shared a stand of 57 with Pietersen and scored seven boundaries of his own but it wasn’t enough as they lost by 45 runs due to Adelaide opener Tim Ludeman hitting 92 from 44 balls.