Brisbane
Melbourne Stars’ captain, Glenn Maxwell, faces a setback as he has been ruled out of the upcoming match against Perth Scorchers due to a forearm injury. The injury occurred during the opening match of the Big Bash League (BBL) season 13, where Maxwell scored 23 off 14 balls against Brisbane Heat, who claimed victory by 103 runs. Maxwell suffered the injury whilst batting against the Brisbane Heat on Thursday night and will start his rehabilitation immediately, announced Melbourne Stars in a statement on Friday. Nathan Coulter-Nile, another key player for the Stars, will undergo scans over the weekend to assess the extent of a calf injury sustained while bowling against Brisbane Heat. Further updates on Coulter-Nile’s condition will be provided ahead of the clash against the Scorchers on Wednesday. Maxwell received medical attention during the game against Heat, with his forearm wrapped, and was later seen icing it in the dugout after getting out at the Gabba. Marcus Stoinis is expected to take on a more significant role as the starting batting opener in Maxwell’s absence, presenting a challenge for the Stars, who will also miss Maxwell’s spin-bowling prowess. The Stars are hopeful that Maxwell’s injury will not keep him out for an extended period, aiming for his return when they face Sydney Thunder in Albury on December 23 after the Scorchers match on Wednesday at the MCG, followed by a 10-day break. With Haris Rauf from Pakistan recently joining the squad, the Stars will be looking to quickly integrate him into the team. Olly Stone, an England fast bowler, is one of their three overseas players, along with Usama Mir and Liam Dawson.
