Cairns: As Australians prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell discussed subcontinent pitches, hard seams, and dry surfaces, stating that as a spinner, "You might be able to get a little bit more out of it."
Maxwell addressed the reporters ahead of the third T20I against South Africa on Saturday, with the series tied at 1-1.
I believe that in the subcontinent, you may be able to gain a little bit more out of it as a spinner early on. In particular, the new ball with the tough seam, which allows me to grip on dry ground, according to Maxwell, who spoke to reporters in Cairns.
So it might be something to consider as we move forward, he said.
Maxwell is no stranger to bowling in the Powerplay, but his most memorable moment occurred in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup final in 2023, when he famously removed Rohit Sharma, paving the path for Australia's sixth World Cup victory.
So far in the continuing T20I series against the Proteas, Maxwell has bowled two overs during the powerplay. The all-rounder made a significant impression in the second match, taking two important wickets, including Proteas captain Aiden Markram.
I'm as surprised as anyone when I take a wicket. I like taking wickets, he said, and I'm only one wicket away from 50 T20I scalps.
While Maxwell's batting has been erratic, he has claimed three wickets in the series so far. In his past ten T20s, he has picked up ten wickets.
It's always a surprise to me when I get someone out. "I am there to accomplish a task in the powerplay, and I am attempting to do so to the best of my ability," he said.
In his previous ten T20 appearances, he has scored 124 runs in nine innings, with a top score of 47 and only two scores of 20 or more.
Maxwell also discussed his floating place in the batting order, which had him batting fifth in the second T20I after batting first in the first. This comes after he worked as an opener in four of the five T20Is Internationals against the West Indies.
I've been a bit of a shuffler around the order, both upward and downward. I'm filling gaps right now, Maxwell said.
Even during the West Indies series, attempting to counter Akeal Hosein by going up the top, this series is a bit lower, attempting to manage that back end (of the innings).
(I am) attempting to perform whatever responsibilities are necessary for me on this side and simply be as flexible as possible, he said.
