Glenn Maxwell: Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde of Australian cricket

Glenn Maxwell is redefining batsmanship in shorter formats. He typifies Australian cricket with his intimidating batting style. Bowling to a rampaging Maxwell is a bowler’s nightmare. His lightening reflexes, bat speed and quick hands make him different from other batsmen; he is a unique player, who manipulates the field rather cleverly. And he does that with rare gift of timing. Maxwell has the ability to change the complexion of a game in no time.

Maxwell’s poor run was one of the major concerns for Australia, following a disastrous Big Bash campaign, but the repository of the selectors’ faith found form at a pivotal time. He scored 324 runs in the ICC World Cup 2015 which included a maiden ODI ton in just 51 deliveries — the fastest hundred ever by an Australian, which had come in a league game against Sri-Lanka Test cricket, of course, is a different ball game altogether — a true test of temperament. The story of the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde springs to mind, the moment Maxwell steps out on the field wearing whites. He hasn’t exactly set the world on fire over three sporadic appearances. The paradox becomes more obvious when you note that he averages 35.05 with the bat at a blistering strike-rate of 126.69 in 45 ODIs, with one century and 11 half-centuries to his name, whereas in the longer format he averages just over 13 with a highest-score of 37.

However, his domestic record in the longer format is in stark contrast. Maxwell averages just over 40 in 30 First-Class matches combined with 42 wickets at an average of 39.8. The numbers clearly suggest that he is more than capable of adapting and succeeding at the Test level as well.

Also, Maxwell needn’t curb his natural instincts while playing in white, considering the attacking fields should suit his style of play. His scintillating innings of 127 off 102 balls after Victoria had crashed to six for nine inside 14 overs in February last year corroborates the belief.

He also holds the record for the fastest fifty in Australian domestic cricket. In 2013, he smashed 145 not out of only 79 balls to single-handedly take Australia A from 152 for eight to 298 in a game against India A.

In a sense, Maxwell’s career arc is beginning to replicate that of Andrew Symonds. They both share similar all-round skills. Symonds had started to stagnate before he turned it around with a magnificent century against Pakistan In 2003 World Cup. For the next five years, Symonds became Australia’s most important ODI player and eventually sculpted a regular Test spot in the team. Maxwell’s style of play can also be compared to Indian stalwart Virender Sehwag, who redefined the opener’s role in Test cricket. Like Maxwell, Sehwag made his Test debut as a middle-order batsman.

Besides, if his recent form in the shorter format is an indication then he is all set for the Test, and he won’t be the first player to play Test cricket based on form and perception in another format. While, he hasn’t been included in the Ashes 2015 squad even after playing a key role in Australia’s recent World Cup triumph, it gives him an opportunity to work on his technique against the ball moving and eventually make a comeback into the Test side. As of now he has been included in the Australia A side, which can be an ideal platform for the Big Show to further his credentials in the longer format.

There is a lot to come from Maxwell in white. His potential is limitless and his manic approach can prove lethal in Test cricket as well.

(Suraj Choudhari, an avid cricket follower who plays the sport at club level, is a staffer with Criclife)