Glenn Maxwell’s Big Bash League slump has come at the worst possible time for Melbourne Stars, yet team-mate Peter Siddle believes the all-rounder’s knack for big moments will resurface once the knock-out matches start.
Key facts first. The Stars were bundled out for 130 and beaten by six wickets by Perth Scorchers on Saturday night, surrendering top spot in front of more than 48,000 at Optus Stadium. Perth’s victory means the Scorchers will host two home finals, while the Stars will finish third or fourth depending on Sunday’s result between Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat. To lift their first BBL trophy, the Stars now need three straight wins, at least two of them away from home.
Maxwell’s form is the major talking point. Joint player of last season’s tournament, he has scored only 67 runs in seven knocks this summer: 2, 1, 1, 1, 3, plus unbeaten efforts of 39 and 20. On Saturday he was pushed down to No. 7, came in at 100 for 5 in the 14th over, and managed three from eight balls before skying a boundary catch. Even his usually sharp fielding deserted him; a late drop summed up the night.
Siddle, still leading the attack at 41, is neither surprised nor worried that Maxwell is being questioned.
“He’s in that position at the moment,” Siddle said. “You’ve just got to let him go, just to make sure he’s comfortable and happy. He’s starred at World Cups in knockout games and starred in knockout tournaments. He’ll know what to do, so I think we’ll definitely see the best of him next week.”
The Stars are used to relying on Maxwell’s all-court influence. When the runs dry up he typically makes amends with electric fielding or useful off-spin. Saturday, though, offered little consolation. The coaching staff are expected to revisit his batting spot this week; starting him higher could allow him to dictate rather than repair an innings.
Siddle argues Maxwell is still contributing behind the scenes.
“He would have loved to have done more, but he’s still been great,” he said. “The way he talks to the boys and especially the young batsmen, he’s helped them, and they probably had better seasons than we expected anyway.”
“So as much as he mightn’t have starred with the bat, his words and his leadership with those younger batsmen has he played a great role.”
Analysis without jargon: Maxwell’s returns have dipped, but his strike rate remains healthy when he gets past the first ten balls. Early wickets have forced him into rescue missions rather than the free-flowing cameos he prefers. A flatter Adelaide Oval pitch—should the Stars end up there—could therefore suit him.
For the Stars, the equation is clear. If Maxwell clicks, the long road to a maiden title looks far less daunting. If he does not, Siddle and company will need to produce something extraordinary with the ball. Respectfully, the veteran quick still backs the man known as “The Big Show” to put on one when it matters most.
