Tough time for Maxwell after death of mate

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 armband and pointed to the sky to acknowledge the passing of his mate after foiling in-form opener Phil Salt.

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.

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.

The Stars hope to have Pakistan quick Haris Rauf back from international duties in time for their first final. TWENTY20 captain Aaron Finch has anointed BBL journeyman Jono Wells as a potential World Cup bolter for Australia.

No player has impressed

Finch more than the no-frills Adelaide Strikers finisher Wells, who he has identified as a missing link that could force his way into Australia’s relatively settled squad.

“The player who has been so consistent for a long time is Jonny Wells. He’s someone who whenever his side has been in trouble, he’s got them out of a spot and got them to a really competitive total,” Finch said.