Maxwell aims to duplicate T20 World Cup culture for Stars

Melbourne Stars captain Glenn Maxwell and head coach David Hussey are replicating the Australian’s T20 World Cup culture inside the club for BBL|11, offering a team-first approach in the search for their maiden BBL title.

Maxwell, who was part of Australia’s first Men’s T20 World Cup win last month over New Zealand, says the ethos the squad carried is what he and international teammates Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa are introducing at the Stars, to unite the group.

“We are trying to replicate the culture from the T20 World Cup. Everyone had good vibes and that’s what we are trying to bring here,” Maxwell told reporters on Friday.

“We’ve worked hard at the Stars to make it a place people want to come and play and feel comfortable.”

Hussey echoed the importance of the Stars’ culture, saying he also plays a role in bringing the best out of his players as cricketers and people.

“It’s my job to get the boys playing consistent and be authentic, playing an entertaining brand so we can win games too,” Hussey told reporters.

“They’re an eclectic bunch and they’re really enjoyable to be around.”

The addition of Joe Burns to the Stars squad, who returns next week after a knee scope, is another key to their push for maiden glory, bringing international and BBL experience to the Stars line-up.

“It will be good to have an internationally experienced player around, learn how the (Brisbane) Heat played their cricket and how he will gel into our team,” Hussey said.

And the international recruits are also receiving high praise, with Joe Clarke (England), Qais Ahmad and Syed Faridoun already making a positive impression on the Stars captain, in his third year at the helm.

“Syed (Faridoun) is going to shock a few people with the way he goes about it. And I can’t wait to see Joe Clarke play a full season,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell was also quick to recognise leg-spinner Adam Zampa who buoyed the Stars through a difficult BBL|10 campaign.

“We see (Adam Zampa) Zamp’s value as the best in the world. Tactically he always gets better, he’s also become a leader in the changerooms,” Maxwell said.

“His spin plays a big part of winning BBL games.”

As for the Stars’ values, Maxwell is striving to put players’ families first, as the team, often hailed as the “odd cats”, prepare to battle for their first ever BBL title.

“We have a lot of guys not from Melbourne here, so we try to take that pressure off, bring their families in,” Maxwell said.

“It’s been said before that we have a team of ‘odd cats’ who just fit in well together and don’t fit in normal society. We thrive on the idea that we take care of guys who don’t always fit the norm.”

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