Glenn Maxwell’s approach to batting transcends conventional cricket terminology. It’s not merely manic or ultra-aggressive; it’s beyond extreme, and it even defies breath-taking. If anything, it’s simply ridiculous. The word “ridiculous” was uttered incessantly in commentary and by everyone fortunate enough to witness Maxwell shatter records at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where he secured the fastest World Cup century.
The statistics of that innings are, in themselves, ludicrous. Maxwell managed to reach a century in an ODI despite entering the crease in the 39th over and facing his first delivery in the 41st over. He reached his second fifty runs in a mere 13 balls, six of which were dispatched for sixes. And rest assured, more astonishing stats will surface regarding his second World Cup century.
Then there are the shots he executes, seemingly custom-designed for highlight reels. There are those bottom-handed slashes over backward point for sixes, powerful shots over deep mid-wicket off deliveries that aren’t necessarily short, and selections from his collection of outrageous strokes. The switch hit for six off Bas de Leede, despite a momentary misjudgment of length, and the extraordinary reverse ramp off a near-yorker, are just a couple of examples. It’s not that Maxwell invents new shots or pioneers novel spots on the outfield to target; rather, it’s how he does it that’s undeniably ridiculous.
Some might argue that this exceptional performance occurred against a Netherlands attack on a flat pitch with short boundaries, following David Warner’s consecutive centuries. Perhaps you’re thinking that way as well. That’s entirely understandable.
However, Maxwell is one of the few batters in world cricket whose best knocks can stand alone, irrespective of context. The ridiculousness of his innings has much to do with this. When you crave a Maxwell masterclass, you’re unlikely to concern yourself with the match, the bowlers he’s facing, or the circumstances. You’re there for the absurd spectacle of Maxwell wielding his willow like no one else can.
A Glenn Maxwell special, like the one he produced last evening, is akin to a pro-wrestling attraction match. The narrative or backstory matters little. You tune in because you know you won’t witness anything like this anywhere else. It’s akin to watching Andre The Giant in the ring. Maxwell’s uniqueness sets him apart amid the more traditional techniques of players like Warner, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne. And the unpredictability of his performances only adds to the ridiculousness when he delivers.
This isn’t to suggest that the context of a Maxwell innings is always irrelevant. Take last night, for example. When he took the crease, the top order had already provided a solid foundation. However, Australia lost several wickets and seemed to be squandering their opportunity. Maxwell’s incredible performance powered the five-time champions to nearly 400 runs, despite the slowing Kotla pitch and clever variations from Logan van Beek.
Maxwell battled an illness that had left him “crook” for two days, coupled with a sleepless night due to the arrival of his wife and baby son on the eve of the match. Unlike his approach against Pakistan, where he felt “over-aroused,” here, he wasn’t even sure he could make contact with the ball.
This brings us to the intriguing strategy behind his madness. He coped with his ‘under-arousal’ by giving himself a few deliveries to find his timing. This allowed him to unleash his ridiculousness later in the innings, instead of going for his finishing move right from the start.
He also revealed that he had set up de Leede in the 49th over by hitting his good deliveries for sixes in the previous over. He pressured the bowler into making mistakes and then capitalized on them. This was Maxwell at his best, intimidating the bowler and feasting on their errors.
Even when Maxwell talks about his batting, there’s a sense of ridiculousness. How else can you explain his knowledge of his innings statistics, especially regarding records for the “fastest” scores or “fewest number of balls” faced? It’s as though he enters an aggressive version of Zen mode when he orchestrates these unforgettable innings. He’s constantly pushing the boundaries, all while focusing on clearing the boundaries every time he steps to the crease.
This only adds to the overall ridiculousness of Glenn Maxwell, the cricketer, and the man.
- Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
