Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell’s career in cricket has been a rollercoaster, defined by pivotal moments that shaped his trajectory in the sport. From dazzling innings to personal struggles, his journey has been a testament to resilience and determination.
View this post on Instagram
Born on 14th October 1988, Glenn Maxwell debuted professionally in 2010, showcasing dramatic shot-making technique and inventive play in shorter formats of the game. Notably, in 2011, he achieved a record by scoring the fastest half-century in Australian domestic one-day cricket, reaching 50 runs from just 19 balls playing for Victoria vs Tasmania. Maxwell marked his presence by securing his debut first-class century the following month after his initial appearance, displaying a remarkable 103-run score against South Australia.
Moving forward to 2012, Maxwell expanded his cricketing horizons by venturing to England, engaging in club cricket for South Wilts Cricket Club and Second XI cricket for Hampshire. Subsequently, he joined the T20 Blast for the county, broadening his experience and exposure to different cricketing arenas. Despite his endeavours, Maxwell encountered a transfer hurdle when seeking to move to New South Wales before the 2016–17 summer. This attempt was denied, leading to his exclusion from the Victorian side in the initial match of the Sheffield Shield season. However, he made a strong return in the subsequent Shield game, showcasing his prowess by scoring an impressive 81 runs.
Maxwell, chosen for Australia’s 2012 series against Pakistan in the UAE, earned recognition from head selector John Inverarity as a versatile off-spinning all-rounder, ideal for the anticipated slow, turning wickets. His debut came against Afghanistan in a one-off One Day International (ODI) ahead of the matches against Pakistan. He participated in five of the six fixtures against Pakistan, showcasing scores of 38, 28, and an unbeaten 56 in the ODIs, securing his place in two of the three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. Notably, he scored four runs on his T20I debut and contributed 27 runs from 20 balls in the final match, while also securing his first international wicket.
Shortly after, Maxwell got the nod for Australia’s Test tour of India as an all-rounder, marking his Test debut against India in the second Test at Hyderabad. Acting as the team’s second spinner, he provided support to Xavier Doherty. In his debut match, he displayed his bowling prowess by taking 4/127.
Maxwell participated in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy but missed selection for the 2013 Ashes. Subsequently, he secured a spot in Australia’s 15-man squad for the 2014 ICC World Twenty20, notably scoring 74 runs from 33 balls against Pakistan in the opening match and finishing the tournament as Australia’s second-highest run-scorer with a total of 147 runs. He made his Test team comeback in October 2014 against Pakistan in the UAE, contributing 37 and 4 runs in the two innings, however remaining wicket-less.
Also Read: Fastest Centuries In A ODI Cricket World Cup
Maxwell secured a spot in Australia’s 15-man squad for the early 2015 ODI World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. He commenced the tournament impressively, achieving scores of 66 from 40 balls against England and 88 from 39 balls against Afghanistan. During a match against Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he marked his first international century, hitting 102 runs in just 51 balls, setting a record for the fastest century by an Australian man in an ODI and the second-fastest in World Cup history at that time.
In the quarter-final against Pakistan, Maxwell contributed with both bat and ball, taking two wickets and scoring 44 runs, followed by a 23-run contribution in the semi-final against India. Although he didn’t bat in the final against New Zealand, he managed to secure a wicket as Australia claimed their fifth World Cup title. Maxwell concluded the tournament as Australia’s third-highest run-scorer, amassing a total of 324 runs at an impressive batting average of 64.80 runs per inning.
Following the World Cup, Maxwell remained a consistent presence in Australia’s one-day teams. He received recognition as Cricket Australia’s men’s T20I Player of 2015 at the Allan Border Medal ceremony and remained an active participant throughout 2015.
In 2016, Glenn Maxwell’s scintillating 145 off just 65 balls in a T20 international against Sri Lanka showcased his exceptional talent. This innings not only marked his ability to dominate the game but also established him as a force to be reckoned with in the shorter format. His capability to deliver under pressure and display an array of unorthodox shots solidified his place in the Australian side.
In 2017, Maxwell scored his maiden Test century, scoring 104 in the third test of Australia’s tour of India. He became only the second Australian batsman to score a century in all three formats.
However, Maxwell’s career also witnessed fluctuations. A dip in form and a poor performance in India for the ODI series in September led to his exclusion from the national team. During a press conference, Australia’s captain, Steve Smith, recommended that Maxwell could benefit from “smarter training,” expressing that while Maxwell exhibited explosive skills in one-day games, he should strive for greater consistency in his overall performance.
During this period, he reflected on his approach, honed his skills in domestic cricket, and worked on his mental resilience. His perseverance paid off, earning him a recall to the Australian team in 2018 for the T20I Tri Series with England and New Zealand where he scored a century against England in the second match, making 103 runs from 58 balls.
The year 2019 was another pivotal phase. Maxwell’s personal battles, including mental health issues, brought a halt to his career. His decision to prioritize his well-being showcased immense courage and shone a spotlight on the significance of mental health in professional sports. This period of introspection not only allowed him to recuperate but also returned him to the cricketing world with a renewed perspective and a stronger resolve.
View this post on Instagram
His return in the 2019-2020 season saw a transformed Maxwell, both in terms of his cricketing prowess and mental resilience. His impactful performances in the BBL and the ODI series against India reinstated his significance in the national squad.
View this post on Instagram
The recent IPL auction of 2022, where Maxwell was acquired by a new franchise for a record sum, signifies a career turnaround. His consistency, adaptability, and explosive gameplay have made him an asset in various formats, cementing his place as a pivotal player in modern cricket.
Maxwell’s career has been an embodiment of overcoming challenges, adapting to setbacks, and emerging stronger. Each turning point has contributed to his evolution, making him a dynamic force in the cricketing world.
Maxwell, included in the Australian fifteen-man squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, had a rather quiet start in the competition. However, he achieved a significant milestone during the league stage match against the Netherlands. Where he registered the fastest century in Cricket World Cup history, reaching 106 runs from just 44 balls.
View this post on Instagram
His historic performance came against Afghanistan on 7th November 2023, where his innings of 201* set numerous records, hailed widely by fans and critics as “one of the greatest ODI innings ever played in cricket”.
View this post on Instagram
Despite facing cramps and injury concerns, he displayed unparalleled determination during this innings. Unable to rotate strike due to his condition, yet smashed 21 fours and 10 sixes, surpassing Shane Watson’s record and becoming the second fastest to score a double century in ODI cricket, achieving the milestone with just 128 deliveries. Additionally, Glenn Maxwell’s double hundred was the fastest World Cup 200 and became the first to achieve a double century in an ODI run chase.
View this post on Instagram
Glenn Maxwell’s cricketing odyssey epitomizes resilience, marked by pivotal moments that sculpted his trajectory in the sport. His journey, defined by dazzling innings and personal challenges, stands as a testament to unwavering determination. Notably, his shining moments in major tournaments like the 2015 ODI World Cup and the recent historic performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where he not only set records but exhibited unparalleled resolve, portray the evolution of a player dedicated to honing his skills.
For more such stories of cricketers’, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Telegram.
First deposit on PlayerzPot
Offer: Get 100% bonus up to ₹10,000 Register
4% commission on friends' deposits
Offer: Sign-up & get ₹500 FREE Register
Sign-up Now
Offer: Get ₹50 FREE Register
Download the app
Offer: Get ₹1,500* FREE Register