Glenn James Maxwell might be relatively new to the ODI side with just 32 games under his belt, and his modest average of 32.80 might not be too intimidating at first sight.
But we are all aware of his ability to strike the ball, which he has shown time and again in both limited overs international cricket and domestic T20 tournaments like the IPL and BBL.
He has the record of scoring the join-fastest Twenty20 and ODI 50s for Australia. He also holds the record of scoring the fastest 50 in Australian domestic cricket. His career strike rate of 121.16 in ODIs and 165.8 in T20s suggests he can turn around matches on his own.
It was for a reason that first the Mumbai Indians and later Kings XI Punjab paid big bucks to secure his services for their respective franchises in the IPL.
But batting is not the only aspect of his game that Australia would be hoping to bank on. His recent last-over heroics against Pakistan suggests he is more than just a part-time off spinner. The Australian pitches might not be too conducive to spin, but his benign-looking off spin is more than capable of providing useful breakthroughs in the middle overs.
His acrobatic fielding is well known too. He and Steven Smith are probably among the top five fielders in world cricket today. Backward point is one of the most crucial fielding positions in cricket, and I won’t be surprised if Maxwell pulls off a couple of stunners during the course of the World Cup.
When asked who would win the world event next year, former Australia captain Steve Waugh emphatically answered, “Australia”.
“They will beat South Africa in the final. Maxwell will turn out to be a major player,” he continued.
Indeed, Maxwell could well turn out to be the one to play a fearless innings in a big match to take the game away from the opposition, just like Ricky Ponting did in the 2003 World Cup final.
Captain Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson might have a big role to play in Australia’s pursuit to bring back the World Cup after bowing out in the quarter-finals in 2011, but for me, Glenn Maxwell could just turn out to be the game-changer they need.
Note: Stats updated as of Oct 20, 2014
Shouts Chen
Guest
Bring him to the Ashes 2015.
Don Freo
Guest
Good insult!
Peter
Guest
As evidenced by your serial trolling on the Faulk thread, Freo, you specialise in putting up strawmen and deliberately misunderstanding points. You must be a delight, in person. My statement is true, its not changed by one example of success, and you know it. Maxwell is as reliable as you are sincere.
Matth
Guest
I've said this before on other maxwell articles, but the guy is being judged harshly. Forget it's Maxwell. Now check out who else in history has averaged over 30 at a strike rate over 120. Good luck. Then add his bowling which is no doubt improving. Then add his fielding. Then add his temperament as demonstrated by his recent match winning final over with the ball. Any other team would kill for him. As a number 5-6 he should mostly be getting the last 10 to 15 overs tops. If he is regularly required to bat 25 overs, then it's not maxwell that's the problem.
Vibhor
Roar Rookie
I agree with you here. Symonds took the opportunity in a WC match when the team was in a desperate situation. Maxwell, if manages to do something similar, could well turn out to be a big asset in all forms of the game.
Joel
Roar Rookie
Man they made such a big deal out of that catch. It looked super impressive but was not nearly as difficult as it was made out to be, because the ball wasn't moving that fast when it got to him.
Joel
Roar Rookie
He means the catch on the boundary where he went over the rope
Don Freo
Guest
Am I wrong?...or was that a "dud" over? He is wonderfully competitive...exactly what Australia needs.
Don Freo
Guest
He holds everything. The Ashes? What do you mean?
Joel
Roar Rookie
If Maxwell is coming in at 3/9, it's not his selection that's the problem. The comparison to Symonds was fair. His role early on was to come and and hit quick runs. He would regularly get to maybe 30 and get out trying to go big, or he'd get out for next to nothing. That 143 that you're talking about was his breakthrough innings that set him on the path to test cricket etc. Before that innings he was just a big hitting hacker trying to belt the leather off every ball.. Or in other words, Maxwell. Maxi has the ability to be consistent, he just needs to correct his game awareness and mature somewhat in his shot selection.
Peter
Guest
You stayed up that late for such a lame comment, Freo?
Silver Sovereign
Guest
not a good catcher is NCN based on last year's ashes
Don Freo
Guest
Like that last over against Pakistan, Peter?
Don Freo
Guest
You could always look at his performances from the end of the last Shield season right through the off season in various comps. Very rarely failed and crazily regularly won matches single-handedly. His is a fan club...The SOK lobby is a cult.
Don Freo
Guest
I doubt you could ever point to occasions where that is the case. You can only catch what is offered. Have you got any examples of Maxi turfing catches...or not trying for one?
Don Freo
Guest
Could not disagree more Craig/Ryan. Maxi is going from strength to strength and the quality that is building around him in the team will provide a safety net that will give him even more licence. I love the unfolding team dynamic.
Vibhor
Roar Rookie
He is that kind of a player..but I think he's got the confidence of his captain in him, he is one for a big game IMO
Don Freo
Guest
NCN is better than "safe". He is like a panther in close...very fast and super agile...and has a deadly accurate arm. He is ahead of the brilliant Smith...but Maxie is possibly the best in the world now.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Marsh has a fair bit more nous but Maxwell if he is on, is REALLY on.
ajay
Guest
agreed ,but who is going to tell him ? if lehmann can do this job it will be nice!