Glenn Maxwell - Certainty in uncertain times

Australia finally finds respite in Glenn Maxwell, who has been such a brilliant change to the feeling of scarcity; he has talent, the maturity to perform under pressure as we saw against Pakistan and versatility, that gives him a cut ahead of the others. Playing for Victoria in the domestic circuit, he holds the record for the fastest ever half-century in Australian interstate one-day cricket, which came off just 19 balls. In tentative times that Australian cricket is facing right now, it is thrilling to watch a fearless young man play with such conviction.

He possesses the X-factor as a cricketer, being more than a useful batsman with his aggressiveness and acumen; he is as good in the field as David Warner, and a useful off-spinner – which provides the team with a lot of options as to how he could be used.

Maxwell’s intrepid innings against Pakistan, that guided Australia to a series victory, was heaped praise upon as he not just performed when it mattered most, but was particularly ruthless on Saeed Ajmal – the world-class spinner who is quite a mystery to twig. The perfect end to the series was his mighty heave for six to wrap up the game.

With Maxwell and Starc shining in the ODI series against Pakistan, Michael Clarke has made a prominent mention of the standout performances by the youngsters.

“The way [Maxwell] played in the whole series is a perfect example of getting an opportunity and making the most of it. That’s something I’ve spoken about for a while now – about guys getting a chance.

“Everybody wants to play for Australia but it’s actually making the most of that chance, grabbing hold of that opportunity with both hands and making it very clear to selectors that you want to be a part of this team. I think a few guys on this tour have certainly done that,” skipper Clarke said.

Maxwell was third amongst Australia’s highest run scorers in the series having scored 122 runs at an average of 61, behind Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey. It is perhaps too early to contemplate about his future in the longer format, but skipper Clarke believes he has the skill and the attitude to play Test cricket for Australia too.

“I think he can certainly play all three forms,” Clarke said after returning from the UAE. “I think he’s got the talent with bat and ball. I don’t know what he’s better at, at the moment; he can really do both, which is really pleasing and exciting.

“What I love about Maxi is he’s got no fear. He doesn’t fear any opposition, if he has to bat at number three or number seven, he doesn’t fear any of that. He’s confident in his own ability and he’s done exactly what I’ve asked of the boys.” Maxwell has batted at no.7 and 8 while playing for Victoria in his first-class career and has had a healthy average of 45 which includes one century and six fifties.

With the standout performances by the youngsters in the team, the future of Australian cricket seems a little brighter. It is quite a fact that the Australian limited overs team is not what it used to be, but heading into the T20 World Cup, Australia will have something to cheer about despite their T20 record being against them. Champions or not, we might see sparks of brilliance from one young, promising talent.

Here is an interview with the rising star while he was in India playing for the Delhi Daredevils.