(Cricket News) Melbourne Stars captain, Glenn Maxwell, has stepped down from his role after the team’s failure to qualify for the BBL finals. Following the Stars’ final match of the season against Hobart Hurricanes, Maxwell informed his teammates about his decision. The team’s chances of making the finals were dashed after the Adelaide Strikers’ victory over the Sydney Thunder, combined with the Stars’ loss to the Melbourne Renegades.
Maxwell, 35, still has two years remaining on his current contract. During the season, he scored 243 runs at an average of 34.71 and a striking rate of 173.57. However, his highest score was an unbeaten 35, and he also claimed seven wickets.
The Melbourne Stars, alongside the Hobart Hurricanes, are the only two clubs that have never won the BBL. Despite being runners-up three times, including back-to-back in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, and coming close to winning the BBL8 title, they have never been able to clinch the championship.
In a statement to Fox Cricket during the final game of the season, Maxwell expressed frustration, stating, “We left our fate in someone else’s hands, which is never desirable in this game. After several years of not being able to overcome that final hurdle and missing out on the finals for the past four years, it is quite frustrating. While we believe we have a strong squad, we haven’t been fortunate with injuries, timing, and replacements, which has compounded our challenges.”
Former England coach Peter Moores, who was in his first season with the Stars, praised Maxwell’s influence on the team, saying, “Credit to him, coming off the back of a successful World Cup, he has shown enthusiasm and determination, which is all you can ask for as a coach. He has put his heart and soul into leading the Stars, and his commitment on and off the field has been exemplary.”
There is also speculation regarding Marcus Stoinis, who is out of contract with the Stars, but it is understood that the club is eager to retain him.
See also: Gaby Lewis guides Ireland to convincing win over Zimbabwe after bowlers.
