NEW DELHI: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell expressed his excitement for the upcoming Big Bash League season, where he will captain the Melbourne Stars. He also described the arrival of former India spinner R Ashwin as a massive addition to the competition.

Ashwin, who retired from the IPL in August, has joined Sydney Thunder on a full-season deal, becoming the first capped Indian player to take part in the BBL.

“That’s really exciting. It’s great for the competition. I think anytime you can get world-class superstars who have got the career that he has as a part of the BBL is a massive bonus for us. He’s been extremely successful,” Maxwell said.

“He’s got a hell of a lot of wisdom in the game. I think he’s going to give back a lot to the players in the BBL. I don’t think it’s just the Sydney Thunder, I think the guys that are playing against him will probably ask him a lot of questions, and he’s certainly going to bring in a lot of fans as well.”

Maxwell is eyeing a return in the latter half of the upcoming T20I series against India, as he continues recovery from surgery on his fractured right wrist.

The 36-year-old picked up the injury during a net session in Mount Maunganui, when a shot from teammate Mitchell Owen struck him on the wrist ahead of the New Zealand series.

“I think having the surgery last week sort of gives me a little bit more hope of playing some part in that India series, if I can get myself right,” Maxwell, who has not been named for the first two T20Is on October 29 and 31, told reporters at the KFC BBL’s kit launch in Melbourne.