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Stars Rise with Maxwell`s Heroics

Melbourne Stars have made a remarkable comeback in BBL|14, securing three consecutive victories in 2025 and climbing off the bottom of the table for the first time this season. After a challenging start that saw them lose their first five matches, the team, led by Marcus Stoinis, has reignited their finals aspirations with this winning streak.

A standout performance came from Glenn Maxwell, who delivered a sensational 32-ball 58 not out, helping the Stars defeat the ladder-leaders, Sydney Sixers, at the MCG. This victory propelled the Stars to seventh place, just one point shy of the top four, with two crucial games remaining in the season. To qualify for the finals, the Stars must win both of their upcoming matches, including a highly anticipated Melbourne derby against the Renegades at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Despite facing challenges with a poor net run-rate of -0.356, the Stars are hopeful that the top three teams—Sydney Thunder, Sixers, and Hobart Hurricanes—will assist in eliminating other contenders around them. Stoinis praised Maxwell's `phenomenal` innings and highlighted Beau Webster's solid contribution of 48 runs off 41 balls on a tricky MCG surface. The Stars have maintained their core lineup despite their early struggles, focusing on delivering a complete game of cricket and emphasizing the importance of consistency and team energy.

In other cricket news, Cooper Connolly has been selected for Australia's two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, edging out fellow allrounders Glenn Maxwell and Mitch Marsh. At just 21 years old, Connolly has limited first-class experience but impressed selectors during a recent white-ball tour of the UK and his performance for Australia A against India. He will compete with Beau Webster for a spot in the playing XI and will participate in a training camp in the UAE before the squad heads to Galle.

The Australia Test squad features notable players such as Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Mitchell Starc, with the first Test scheduled from January 29 to February 2, followed by the second Test from February 6 to February 10, both taking place in Galle.

In the women's game, Georgia Voll's half-century in the washed-out Governor-General's XI match against England has strengthened her case for selection in the Women's Ashes. The match was abandoned after 28.2 overs, with the Governor-General's XI at 8-182, preventing England from batting. Alyssa Healy, recovering from a knee injury, also showed promising form with 38 runs from 33 balls. The first ODI of the Women's Ashes is set for January 12 at North Sydney Oval, followed by two more ODIs and a T20I series starting on January 20.

#MelbourneStars,#BBL14,#GlennMaxwell,#CooperConnolly,#WomensAshes