'Right call' - Peter Moores defends Melbourne Stars' use of Glenn Maxwell in rain-affected BBL Eliminator

Melbourne Stars head coach Peter Moores has defended his side’s handling of Glenn Maxwell in a rain-affected Big Bash League Eliminator, while also suggesting the competition review how the Power Surge is applied in shortened matches.

Stars suffered a heartbreaking three-run defeat to the Hobart Hurricanes on Wednesday night at Ninja Stadium, falling just short of their Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) target in a stop-start contest.

After rain reduced the Hurricanes’ innings to 10 overs, they posted 114 for 5. Stars were initially set 115 to win from 10 overs, but further rain forced another revision of target (85 from seven overs) after only two overs of the chase had been completed.

Maxwell, batting at No. 5 faced just four deliveries and finished unbeaten on nine. He did not receive a single ball in the final over. The all-rounder came in with 11 deliveries remaining after the Stars opted to retire tournament standout Sam Harper.

Moores explained that the batting order decisions were framed around the original 10-over chase.

“We sent out two lads who have played really well to send them out for the two overs of powerplay made complete sense. Joe Clarke is an opener as well. We lost an early one in Tommy, and [sent out] Joe, and then obviously the rain came. Marcus [Stoinis] was next and Maxi [Maxwell] after that. You're making decisions as the game evolves. I think we made the right calls," Moores said post-match.

Stars opened with Tom Rogers and Harper, with Joe Clarke at No. 3, a structure Moores felt was justified given the context at the time.

Beyond selection, Moores also raised concerns about the Power Surge rule after the Stars lost the chance to use theirs following the DLS adjustment, while the Hurricanes were able to call theirs.

“It makes a difference in a short game. It seems to make sense. It's quite simple to do. We've done that over in England for a bit. Maybe it's something [to look at], but we play by the rules of each competition, and we've got no complaints about it,” he added.

The defeat marked another painful chapter for the Stars, the only franchise yet to lift a Big Bash League title. The disappointment was compounded by the fact that they would have secured top spot and a home final had they beaten Perth Scorchers in their final league match.

“We'll look back on a tournament where a lot of people played well. The frustration is that I think we were playing well enough to win it. If it didn't hurt you, you wouldn't be human in some way. We'll take it on the chin, and we'll move on,” Moores said.

Hobart Hurricanes will square off with Sydney Sixers on January 23 in the Challenger in Sydney. The winner would be facing Perth Scorchers in the final.