Big Bash live blog: Strikers go top of table with crushing win over winless Stars

THE ADELAIDE Strikers have reached the summit of the Big Bash ladder after a convincing eight wicket victory over the Melbourne Stars who remain winless in the tournament.

GLENN Maxwell underpinned legend Ricky Ponting’s call for the allrounder’s one-day resurrection but his greatest hits show couldn’t save Melbourne Stars’ season in Adelaide.

The Strikers (2-152) reclaimed top spot on the BBL ladder with an eight-wicket win despite Maxwell’s whirlwind 60 off 39 balls and 1/24. Unconquered keeper-batsman Alex Carey (59, 52) anchored the Strikers’ pursuit of 152, embossing his quest for an Australian Twenty20 call-up with a second half-century this BBL season. The bottom-placed, winless Stars are out of finals contention while Jason Gillespie’s Strikers luxuriate in a 5-1 win-loss record. Strikers skipper Travis Head (53, 32) tuned up for one-day battle against England in a decisive 74-run, second-wicket stand with Carey. Head was in imperious touch, acceleratingwith three sixes off Marcus Stoinis and John Hastings. “It was nice to contribute There is a great feeling in the group. The blokes are playing with freedom,” said man of the match Head. South African Colin Ingram ( 15 not out) finished off the Stars with Carey who swept Adam Zampa over the mid-wicket fence to seal victory in 18.4 overs. Maxwell made the initial breakthrough with Jake Weatherald (18) stumped by keeper Peter Handscomb. However, the Stars attack lacked a knock-out blow and grassed three catches. A nonchalant reverse sweep off Peter Siddle (1-33) before falling to the former Test paceman was the highlight of Maxwell’s push for a one-day recall in place of injured Chris Lynn. Lynn’s untimely calf strain put the onus back on selectors and Australian skipper Steve Smith to justify the ongoing exclusion of Maxwell on grounds of poor attitude. Maxwell’s seven boundaries and six over the extra cover fence showcased all the power and X-Factor Australia needs against formidable Champions Trophy semi-finalist England. “I have the hunger to get back in there but it is about scoring runs for Melbourne Stars,” said Maxwell, adding it was “great to hear’ Ponting was supporting him after recent criticism. Maxwell put on 61 in 40 balls with Seb Gotch. The fifth wicket union wasn’t enough to repair another ruinous Stars batting collapse but won the admiration of Australian T20 assistant coach Ricky Ponting. “I would have picked him. As far as I am concerned I don’t think there is a better middle order batsman to take that spot,” Ponting told Channel 10. “I think he can go back to international cricket and dominate.” Stoinis (39, 29) was impressive before deceived by brilliant Strikers leg-spinner Rashid Khan. RE-LIVE ALL THE ACTION IN OUR BLOG BELOW