Glenn Maxwell steps down as Stars captain

Glenn Maxwell has stepped down as Melbourne Stars captain following the club's dismal performance this season. 

As per Daily Telegraph Maxwell told his team-mates about the decision following Stars’ final game of the season against the Hobart Hurricanes (HUR).

By then they were already out of the competition after Adelaide Strikers’(STR) victory over Sydney Thunder (THU). They had the chance of determining their own fate against the Melbourne Renegades (REN) but failed to muster a win. 

The 35 year old has two years left to run on his current contract. This season he registered 243 runs at 34.71 and a healthy strike rate of 173.57. 

Stars alongside Hurricanes are the only two clubs who have never won the Aus T20 League. They have finished runner up on three occasions, including back-to-back in 2018-19 and 2019-20, and almost won the title in 2019 before a staggering collapse against city rivals Renegades.

"We left our run in someone else's hands which is never what you want to do in this game," Maxwell told Fox Cricket during the last game of this season.

"After the first couple of years, having so much dominance and not being able to get over that final hurdle, it feels like the last four years out of finals contention is quite frustrating.

"We feel like we've had a good enough list, probably haven't had enough luck with injuries and timing, replacements and it just all seems to compound on itself."

Former England coach Peter Moores, who was in his inaugural season at Stars, applauded Maxwell’s impact on the franchise.

“Credit to him, he comes off the back of a World Cup, and what a World Cup for him personally and Australia, but to get the enthusiasm and the drive, that's all you're looking for as a coach, and he's had that every day," Moores said during the final game of the season.

"The Stars is where he captains, and he's put his heart and soul into it. I've had good laughs with him on and around the game, and also off the field, it's been great fun."

Marcus Stonis is also out of contract with Stars but it is understood that the franchise is keen to re-sign him.