How Maxwell Became Australia’s World Cup Game Changer

The 2023 World Cup is very close and every team is preparing for the grand stage. The Australian cricket team is also doing the same by playing a series with India. They are testing their squad members and experimenting with young ones. But experienced players are always precious on the grand stage like the World Cup. thus the presence of veteran Maxwell becomes the ultimate choice for the team Australia. Let’s discuss Maxwell’s recent performance and his game-turning capability which ultimately proves his inclusion to the team.

Maxwell’s absence from the team in the preceding matches against South Africa and India was due to a combination of an ankle injury and paternity leave. His return was eagerly anticipated, and he did not disappoint. His performance included a spectacular reflex catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma and a brilliant delivery that shattered Shreyas Iyer’s stumps, virtually sealing the victory for Australia.

What made Maxwell’s performance even more remarkable was the fact that it was only his second ODI since recovering from a badly broken leg suffered the previous year. While there were concerns about how he would handle the workload of the World Cup, including the rigorous schedule and extensive travel, his bowling in Rajkot showcased his potential as a valuable second spinner alongside Adam Zampa. This flexibility in the bowling department would allow Australia to field three of their top-tier fast bowlers while considering options like Pat Cummins or Mitchell Starc at No. 8 in the batting order.

Despite his career bowling average of 47.71, Maxwell’s offspin has undergone significant improvements in recent years, to the extent that he was on the verge of a Test recall. His contributions with the ball were recognized by Mitchell Marsh, who emphasized the crucial balance that Maxwell brings to the team. Marsh explained that Maxwell’s presence allows Australia to play three quick bowlers, a spinner, and have Maxwell himself bowl ten overs if conditions favor it, providing flexibility in team selection and batting order structure.

Maxwell’s impact isn’t limited to his bowling prowess; his batting is equally vital to Australia’s World Cup aspirations. While he was dismissed by an exceptional Jasprit Bumrah yorker in Rajkot, the mere presence of Maxwell in the middle order, batting at No. 6 or 7, adds a formidable dimension to the team’s lineup. If he can recapture his form from 2020 and 2022, he has the potential to change the course of a game single-handedly.

Maxwell’s contribution to the team’s success is unquestionable. In a series of seven matches against England and Sri Lanka, he scored a century and five fifties, often coming in to bat at No. 7. Although his recent batting returns have dipped, with an average of 15.25 and a strike rate of 91.04 in nine innings, Maxwell remains a player capable of delivering game-changing performances when it matters most.

Australia’s middle-order batting has been a concern in recent weeks, with players struggling to find their rhythm and capitalize on opportunities. The absence of Travis Head due to injury is a significant setback. However, with David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Steven Smith at the top, the team possesses a combination of power and solidity. The lower middle order, which includes Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, and Josh Inglis, needs to step up and contribute consistently.