BBL: Glenn Maxwell Named Melbourne Stars Captain

Melbourne Stars will start the upcoming season of Big Bash League (BBL), hoping that they bounce back after a forgettable last season. Despite being one of the consistent sides in the history of the league, the Melbourne Stars cut a sorry figure in the last edition.

In the first four seasons, they had made it to the semifinals before finishing runners-up in the fifth. In the sixth season, they once again made it to the last four. However, they streak of making it to the finals ended in a disappointing manner last season. The Melbourne-based franchise finished at the bottom of the table. They lost their first five games to find themselves pretty much out of the semifinal race so early in the competition. They eventually ended up with two wins in 10 games and the wooden spoon.

Well, they will be seeking a change of fortunes when they step out on the field with a new captain at helm for the soon-to-start season. Australia allrounder Glenn Maxwell has replaced John Hastings as the skipper of the team. Hastings had to abruptly end his career due to a mysterious lung condition.

We have a new @BBL captain #TeamGreen ?? pic.twitter.com/mIeC2O8pBv

— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) December 11, 2018

“It’s an honour to be named captain of the Melbourne Stars and I’m looking forward to working with (head coach) Stephen Fleming on what is set to be another big season,”  said Maxwell.

“We’ve got a talented list which includes new signings so it’s going to be important for us to come together this week and get to know each other more both on and off the field,” he added.

Melbourne Stars will kick start their season on Friday when they take on Sydney Thunder in Canberra.

Maxwell, meanwhile, will miss the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League after deciding to not register himself for the auction. With an eye on next year’s Ashes, the hard-hitting allrounder has signed up with English county Lancashire.