BBL 2023-24: Injury sidelines Glenn Maxwell for upcoming clash against Perth Scorchers

Melbourne Stars have suffered a huge blow as their skipper Glenn Maxwell is ruled out with an injury and will miss the clash against defending champions Perth Scorchers. Notably, he picked up an injury on his forearm while batting during the opening game of the season against Brisbane Heat. The medical team was called in twice to check on the all-rounder but the 35-year-old decided to continue after his forearm was taped. 

He got out after scoring 23 runs off 14 deliveries following which, the cricketer was spotted icing his injury in the dugout. Meanwhile, the seriousness of the injury is yet to be known but nonetheless, the Stars will miss their skipper heavily in the next match, especially after an embarrassing 103-run defeat in the opening game of the season.

Notably, the team management expects Maxwell to miss just one game and to make his return against Sydney Thunder. After their upcoming game against Scorchers, the Stars have a 10-day break, which is believed to be enough for the all-rounder to recover. 

“Biggest forearms in the world and he’s pulled a muscle,” team-mate Hilton Cartwright said after the match. “He’s had a nice break, came back super positive and he’s still super positive (after the loss). On a night like tonight you’ve got to keep reminding yourself you’re not a bad team.”

Nathan Coulter-Nile in danger to miss the game against Scorchers

Just like Maxwell, ace pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile is in danger of missing the upcoming BBL clash against Scorchers. The 36-year-old injured his calf muscle while bowling against Heat and came out to bat at number 11 with a runner. He is slated to undergo scans to determine the status of the injury and a decision will be made after that.

“Nathan Coulter-Nile will undergo scans this weekend to determine damage to a calf injury suffered whilst bowling against the Brisbane Heat,” the club statement said.

Scott Boland too was unavailable in the opening game and hence, the Stars are in a dire spot at the moment.