Glenn Maxwell to fire in BBL Finals? Peter Siddle backs Aussie star amid lean patch

Glenn Maxwell for Melbourne Stars [Source: @Crick_logist/X]

Glenn Maxwell has not been at his best with the bat in recent times. With his poor T20I form continuing since 2022, Maxwell has been bearing the brunt of being pushed down the order and shuffled sideways due to his lack of performances in matches.

However, former Australia Test pacer Peter Siddle has backed Glenn Maxwell to break out of his slump and explode during the Big Bash League Finals, as Melbourne Stars have qualified for the playoffs and are now attempting to claim their maiden title in the tournament.

Glenn Maxwell’s lean run in BBL 2025-26

Maxwell has endured a lean run in the BBL 2025–26 season, managing just 67 runs from seven innings while averaging 13.40 at a strike rate of 113.56.

Five of his seven appearances resulted in single-digit scores, with three of those innings yielding just one run. He only showed a brief flash of brilliance against Sydney Thunder, where he scored 39 off 20 deliveries on December 28.

Maxwell was further pushed down to No. 7 in the batting order against Perth Scorchers on Saturday night, which clearly indicated that the team management has lost confidence in his ability to strike higher up the order.

Siddle backs Glenn Maxwell for fiery comeback in BBL Finals

Peter Siddle, who still remains a vital cog in Melbourne Stars’ pace attack, reiterated that Maxwell has proven his class time and again and, with his back against the wall, could well explode into form to justify his signing.

"He's in that position at the moment. You've just got to let him go, just to make sure he's comfortable and happy,” Siddle said.

Siddle further explained how dangerous and lethal Maxwell is in knockout matches and knockout tournaments, stating that he knows Maxwell will be a key figure for Melbourne Stars during the BBL playoffs.

Adding weight to Siddle’s claim, Glenn Maxwell boasts an impressive average of 53 in T20I semifinals and finals, highlighting his extraordinary hitting ability on the big stage.

"He's starred at World Cups in knockout games and starred in knockout tournaments. He'll know what to do, so I think we'll definitely see the best of him next week," Siddle added.

Siddle lauds Maxwell’s value in the team

Nevertheless, Siddle also backed Maxwell for his role as a senior player who imparts valuable knowledge to the younger members of the squad. Despite his lack of runs, Maxwell remains an integral part of the team, and even though his bat has been quiet, his leadership and experience continue to add significant value to the side.

"He would have loved to have done more, but he's still been great. The way he talks to the boys and especially the young batsmen, he's helped them, and they probably had better seasons than we expected anyway.

So as much as he mightn't have starred with the bat, his words and his leadership with those younger batsmen have played a great role,” Siddle concluded.

Notably, Maxwell’s most recent outing against Perth Scorchers was also disappointing, as he managed only three runs after coming in at No. 7. He scored three runs off eight deliveries after arriving at the crease following Marcus Stoinis and was dismissed by Jhye Richardson in the 17th over.