Australia determined to relaxation Glenn Maxwell for his or her closing group stage fixture in opposition to Bangladesh within the ODI World Cup 2023. Maxwell, who suffered cramps in his leg and again spasms throughout his thunderous 201* in opposition to Afghanistan, was changed by Steve Smith for Australia’s fixture on the Maharashtra Cricket Affiliation Stadium in Pune on 11 November.
Australia captain Pat Cummins introduced the choice on the toss and mentioned that Maxwell and Mitchell Starc had been rested for the sport and Steve Smith, Sean Abbot had been introduced again within the group. Smith didn’t play the match vs Afghanistan after struggling vertigo signs.
“We may have a bowl. Seems like a very good wicket, however might be swing up within the air and moisture. Seeking to play good cricket. Now we have two modifications at the moment. Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc have been rested and in come Steve Smith and Sean Abbott,” Cummins mentioned on the toss.
The Australia captain additional added that the group had not performed their greatest cricket thus far within the event and would purpose to try this in opposition to Bangladesh.
“I feel we’ve not performed our greatest cricket as an entire and looking out to try this at the moment. I feel we have now to play good cricket and never consider the opposition that a lot. We have to deal with ourselves. Have not fairly recovered from the Mumbai recreation. It was unbelievable and completely satisfied to come back out on prime. There was euphoria again residence,” Cummins additional added.
Maxwell’s Innings vs Afghanistan
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell delivered a efficiency that will likely be etched in cricket historical past for years to come back. On November 7, 2023, in opposition to Afghanistan, Maxwell single-handedly guided Australia to an inconceivable victory, scoring an unbeaten 201 runs off simply 128 balls. This feat marked the highest-ever one-day worldwide (ODI) rating by an Australian batter, a document that speaks volumes about Maxwell’s prowess on the sector.
The match was held on the floodlit Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the place Afghanistan appeared poised for a well-known victory in opposition to the five-time champions Australia. The Afghan group had set a difficult goal of 292 runs, decreasing Australia to a precarious 91 for seven wickets. Nonetheless, Maxwell, together with his extraordinary counter-attack, turned the tables in Australia’s favor. Regardless of affected by muscle cramps and again spasms, he continued his onslaught, hitting 21 fours and 10 sixes throughout his knock. His final six not solely sealed the victory for Australia but in addition introduced up his double century.
Maxwell’s innings was a masterclass in resilience and dedication. He fought by means of bodily discomfort, chopping down on working between the wickets to handle the ache and relying extra on massive hits. His partnership with captain Pat Cummins, who remained unbeaten on 12 from 68 balls, added 202 for the unbroken eighth wicket, additional solidifying Australia’s place within the recreation.
This exceptional innings led Australia to a three-wicket win over Afghanistan, securing their spot within the semi-finals of the World Cup. Maxwell’s efficiency was hailed as an “all-time nice innings” and was described as “essentially the most exceptional factor you’ll ever see in cricket” by former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith. Ricky Ponting, former Australia captain and three-time World Cup winner, was equally awestruck, stating that he had by no means seen something like this in his cricketing profession.
Nonetheless, Maxwell’s heroic effort got here at a value. He suffered from muscle cramps and again spasms in the course of the match, which hinted at the potential for him lacking Australia’s closing group-stage recreation in opposition to Bangladesh. Regardless of the bodily toll, Maxwell’s 201-run innings stands as a testomony to his distinctive talent and indomitable spirit.
