MELBOURNE — In a display that defied both time and the Hobart Hurricanes’ batting lineup, 41-year-old veteran Peter Siddle proved age is just a number at the MCG.
The ageless warrior dismantled the Hurricanes with a clinical 3 for 30, halting a dangerous Hobart innings that looked set for a massive total. Siddle’s masterclass, which included the key wicket of Tim David, anchored a brilliant Melbourne Stars bowling performance that restricted the visitors to 9-158.
However, the night belonged as much to the “Big Show” as it did the veteran. Glenn Maxwell sent the Melbourne crowd into a frenzy with a “freak” trademark boundary catch to dismiss Matthew Wade, a moment described by Moises Henriques as a “living highlight reel.”
Despite a fighting 69 from Ben McDermott, the Hurricanes struggled against a Stars attack bolstered by Siddle’s experience and Haris Rauf’s raw pace. In response, the Stars have bolted out of the gates, reaching 2-70 after 9 overs, with Tom Rogers providing an early blitz of 30.
