In an interview with reporters ahead of the match against Bangladesh, Australia coach Andrew McDonald expressed his belief that Glenn Maxwell’s incredible performance in the recent World Cup match against Afghanistan will serve as an inspiration for young cricketers. Maxwell’s unbeaten 201 off 128 balls helped secure Australia’s place in the semi-finals of the tournament, earning praise from captain Pat Cummins who called it the “greatest ODI innings.”
Despite struggling with cramps during the latter part of his innings, Maxwell’s explosive batting style was highlighted by 10 sixes and 21 fours, leaving McDonald to reflect on the magnitude of the achievement. He stated, “It looks like it will take a long time for an innings like that to sink in.” He also echoed Cummins’ sentiment, calling it “probably the greatest one-day innings ever.”
McDonald pointed out that Maxwell’s hitting style, demonstrated in his second century of the tournament, makes him a highly sought-after player in limited-overs cricket and compared his impact on the game to that of well-known players like Ricky Ponting and AB de Villiers.
He emphasized the ever-evolving nature of the game, saying, “Players take the game forward every day, and the game is better today than it was yesterday. Glenn Maxwell will no doubt inspire a new generation with some outrageous shots…” He expressed excitement about the future of the game, as Maxwell, like de Villiers and Ponting before him, has been able to push the boundaries and see the game differently.
The coach’s comments shed light on how Maxwell’s exceptional performance has the potential to shape the future of the sport, emphasizing the significant impact of his style of play. His comparison of Maxwell with established cricketing legends serves to underscore the significance of his contributions to the game and the inspiration he provides for the next generation of cricketers. Overall, McDonald’s remarks highlight the profound influence of Maxwell’s innings on the sport and the potential it holds for the future.
(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
