Glenn Maxwell has been sent ‘plenty of love’ by Stars teammates after death of close friend
Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell handed over the captaincy reigns on Wednesday night due to a tragedy close to him. And his Stars teammates have rallied behind the skipper in his time of need.
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Melbourne Stars stand-in skipper Peter Handscomb says his side is sending "plenty of love" to teammate Glenn Maxwell following the death of his close friend.
Maxwell relinquished the captaincy for Wednesday night's Big Bash clash loss to the Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide Oval.
Maxwell still played the match and kissed his arm band and pointed to the sky to acknowledge the passing of his mate after foiling in-form opener Phil Salt.
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Handscomb said his teammate was doing "ok” given the circumstances.
"I think you can understand it's a tough time for him and for anyone in that situation," Handscomb said.
"We're sending plenty of love his way."
Maxwell took a mental health break after the October 30 Twenty20 clash against Sri Lanka at the Gabba.
The Victorian was a surprise omission – particularly for India skipper Virat Kohli - from Australia’s one-day tour of India.
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Australia’s loss is the Stars’ gain with 372 runs at 53.
Maxwell (1/19) delivered impeccable figures against the Strikers, while he was on a mission in the field, throwing down stumps and keeping the Strikers batsmen on edge.
It was the Stars' second successive defeat after their road loss to the Sydney Sixers last Monday.
The Stars next face Brisbane Heat at the MCG tomorrow in their final regular season game.
They will host their first final at the same venue the following week.
Pace bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile is expected to return to face the Heat.
The Stars hope to have Pakistan quick Haris Rauf back from international duties in time for their first final.
Originally published as Glenn Maxwell has been sent ‘plenty of love’ by Stars teammates after death of close friend