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Ever since Glenn Maxwell stepped onto the field in Delhi at the conclusion of last October’s World Cup, he has played for Australia in five ODIs and four T20Is. In nine innings, he has remained not out four times, scored four centuries, and accumulated 597 runs with an impressive average of 119.4.

Monster figures already, then factor in the strike rate of 186 – one player scoring north of 11 runs an over on his own. In a way, his 120 from 55 balls against West Indies in Adelaide on Sunday was the most perfect of the lot.

This impressive streak seems unattainable, even for a player who combines batting with circus skills. It is not just the statistics, but also the circumstances in which each success has emerged from a seemingly impossible low point.

Just over a year ago, Maxwell suffered a severe leg injury that left his doctors unsure about his future in professional sports. The injury continued to affect him up until the World Cup and still causes problems for him today.

Before the World Cup group game against Netherlands, Maxwell’s performance was hindered by his lack of self-assurance in his physical abilities, a disorganized schedule with only six games played, no notable scoring, and a disappointing “golden duck” in his previous hit. However, he surprised everyone by scoring the quickest World Cup century ever, just 40 balls into the game. He continued his impressive performance with a crucial 41 runs in the team’s victory over New Zealand.

After two successful games, the next incident was a fall that caused a gash on his head while walking on a concrete path at a golf course. This resulted in a concussion and he had to take a week off from playing. Some accused him of being reckless or drunk, but this was not the case.

Maxwell’s bounceback was absurd, that all-time epic against Afghanistan – 201 not out in the Mumbai humidity to rescue a lost cause with semi-final qualification on the line.

The discomfort caused by his performance in that game affected him for several weeks, and he was not needed to contribute much with his batting skills in the later rounds. However, despite this, after the World Cup final, Maxwell managed to find the energy and focus to score an impressive 104 runs in just 48 balls in a T20I game against India. This was a feat that none of his teammates from the victorious team should have been expected to achieve. He once again turned a seemingly impossible situation into a victory.

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At this point in time, there was another incident on the golf course that was caused by the person in question. On a hot day, they did not drink enough water and had too much beer, resulting in the expected outcome. Ending up in an ambulance and making headlines due to poor choices would be a significant embarrassment, especially since they had previously scared people with a less serious explanation of dehydration.

Another player may have been too timid to showcase their skills on the playing field, but this one confidently dominates the bowlers.

At the core of his character, Maxwell is known for beginning his innings with a sense of frustration. Despite being one of the most heavily criticized Australian players, Maxwell himself is often the most dissatisfied with his own performance. This was evident as he expressed annoyance when he struggled to make solid contact or find openings during a short period of only four runs from six balls, which would be considered a typical start for most other players.

Maxwell made a click and something fell into position, just as he hit his first six out of eight. He dropped to one knee and hit the spinner Akeal Hosein into the top tier of the eastern stand at Adelaide Oval.

After that, it was flawless. Many players can score quickly, but Maxwell stands out for his versatility. He doesn’t just rely on power and technique, as seen when he hit a baseball-style shot against the West Indies’ Alzarri Joseph. He also has the ability to hit straight while moving forward, as demonstrated when Joseph was on the receiving end of one of those shots. And let’s not forget his switch-hitting skills that sent Hosein’s ball flying for another hundred meters.

He has exceptional timing with his wrist movements. When he bowls on the leg side of the pitch, he flexes his back knee and turns his foot to face straight while angling his hip towards the off side. This creates enough space for him to hit the ball. His stance may seem strange and lacking in power, until you see the ball sail over backward square leg. Andre Russell is known for this technique. Even when faced with a wide delivery outside off, he stretches out his arms and gets down on one knee to make contact with the ball. In a recent match against Romario Shepherd, he managed to clear the extra cover rope with this shot.

Before his first four, there were three sixes, but his positioning on the ground was the most impressive. Russell delivered a yorker that was perfectly aimed at the middle and off, heading straight for the stumps. However, Maxwell unexpectedly used his bat to stop the ball, with no follow through or visible drive. Instead of defending, the ball glides past backward point for a four. It was a deliberate and confusing move. West Indies captain Rovman Powell could only shrug, stating that Maxwell tends to take a shot at any ball they bowl.

Reworded: T20I centuries are not commonly achieved. Out of all the female players in Australia, there have been five centuries. Similarly for the men’s team, all except one player have scored five centuries. The only exception is Glenn Maxwell, who also has five centuries. The only other player in the world with the same number of centuries is Rohit Sharma, although he has played 50% more matches.

It is unfortunate that Maxwell has not been given the opportunity to play Test cricket, especially in Australia. While there is no guarantee of success, it is concerning that a talented player has not been given a chance by the national team. This reflects poorly on the decision-making and creativity of selectors over the past twelve years.

The current national setup is the most welcoming to Maxwell, his approach no longer treated with suspicion. He is backed unyieldingly. He is a better player for having that security from his team, captains, coach. Yet still only in short games.

If that support was applied to Tests over a span of a few years, just think about it. Despite being 35 years old, Maxwell is currently playing his best cricket ever. He is still capable of achieving almost anything.

Source: theguardian.com