Glenn Maxwell has contributed consistently ever since his return to the Australian cricket team in the fifth ODI against England in Perth. In the ongoing Twenty20 Trans-Tasman tri-series, Maxwell has been vital in Australia’s two wins over New Zealand and England.
Speaking to cricket.com.au after his match-winning century at Hobart against England, Maxwell responded to Smith’s remark saying the Australian captain was probably justified in his assessment, but it was solely aimed at his performance in the ODIs.”
“He was talking about one-day cricket and they were probably justified,” the 29-year-old said. “As a No.6 (in ODIs), it’s an awkward thing to prepare for because you’re going in (preparing for) about 15 or 16 different scenarios. If your team is 4-50, you’ve got to make sure you’re knuckling down and batting a long period of time. If you come in at 4-250, you’ve got to make sure and you’re coming with five overs left, you’ve got to go from ball one,” he clarified.
In the last one month, Maxwell has gone through contrasting emotions. He was surprisingly left out of Australia’s team for the ODI series against England, with Smith asking him to ‘train smarter’. However, an injury to Aaron Finch resulted in his comeback and he has responded with an unbeaten 24-ball 44 against New Zealand followed by a splendid 58-ball 103 against England, his second in this format.
{{/usCountry}}In the last one month, Maxwell has gone through contrasting emotions. He was surprisingly left out of Australia’s team for the ODI series against England, with Smith asking him to ‘train smarter’. However, an injury to Aaron Finch resulted in his comeback and he has responded with an unbeaten 24-ball 44 against New Zealand followed by a splendid 58-ball 103 against England, his second in this format.
{{/usCountry}}Maxwell added the preparation advice from Smith changed his perspective. “That was more what he was talking about. When I sat down (with Smith) we had a good conversation about that. He wasn’t talking about my Sheffield Shield preparation, he wasn’t talking about my BBL preparation – he was talking about my one-day international preparation,” he added.
Smith had earlier expressed his displeasure at Maxwell’s approach while batting.
“Just looking at the way he trains, I think he could train a little bit smarter. We’ve all seen the way he can come out and play and do all his funky stuff and be pretty cool with that. If he keeps his head switched on and trains really well and focuses on basic things probably more than the expansive things then I think that will help him have his consistency,” Smith had said.
The ‘Big Show’, who has also had great success in the Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars, will be seen in action again when Australia take on England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday.