Back-to-back half-centuries saw Australia head coach Justin Langer effusively praising the intriguing character and talent of all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Langer didn’t shy away from saying Maxwell is an asset for the Kangaroos cricket, and he has that ingredient to become a superstar like Virat Kohli in the foreseeable future.
Known for his funky style of play, Maxwell has looked more sensible in this ongoing year – 2019. He has not only rotated the strike but kept teeing off in his own fashion – to win back his trust.
Langer on Maxwell to become Virat Kohli:
While praising Maxwell’s contribution, Langer revealed he’s has been working hard on his game. The Victorian cricketer has enormous talent and he has subsequently delivered from time to time.
“He’s getting the rewards for that. It’s great to see. We all see it and everyone talks about it, he’s got a huge amount of talent. His challenge has always been to deliver on that talent and he’s done it in patches,” Langer told Cricket Australia in Dubai.
Recently, the visitors led by Aaron Finch have taken an unassailable lead of 4-0 in the five-match series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Adding to this, Maxwell has regained his form by registering a couple of match-winning innings.
In the third ODI, the middle-order batsman struck 71. He found himself short from his crease while batting on 98 in the penultimate ODI against the Men in Green.
The 48-year-old Langer reiterated it’s quite visible that Maxwell has the hunger for scoring runs likes charismatic Kohli does have while donning national colours.
“The challenge for him. And I’ve said this to him – is we’ve just seen Virat Kohli, who is an extraordinarily talented player. He averages 60 in ODI cricket. In 99 games, Maxi averages 32 or 33. He can be Virat Kohli. He has got the talent to do that. It’s obviously a massive challenge, isn’t it?” Langer added.
Known as a dasher, Maxwell recently noted that his aim is to stay at the crease and play as long as possible for team’s cause.
Adamant in his approach, Maxwell further made it clear that he’s not aiming for registering personal milestones. He has always preferred to win games for his team.
With many considering it as a daunting challenge for Maxwell ahead of the 2019 World Cup, he knows how to excel in pressure-cooker situations. As of now, Maxwell has further booked his spot for the quadrennial event scheduled to get underway on May 30 in London.
Maxwell has the potential to become great ODI cricketer: Justin Langer
Following the diabolical show in the past, Maxwell has vowed to return strong. Also, since the start of 2019, he has improved his game.
Langer remarked Maxwell has a task on his hands to become a prominent face in the 50-over format before setting his sights of the multi-day format.
“His next challenge is to become a great ODI player. And then, potentially a Test player, so there’s a huge upside. He’s such an important part of our team. He brings energy to everything that he does – whether it’s fielding, running between wickets, his strike-rate,” Langer said on Maxwell.
In Bengaluru Twenty20 International match against India, Maxwell fired Australia to a win by slamming unbeaten 113.
Besides, he ensured to continue on his strong return while playing all-important cameos in the ODI series.
The 30-year-old had further shown responsibility against Pakistan. It further saw Australia continuing with their seven-match winning streak. Also, he has rolled over his arm to pick a couple of wickets under his belt.
“Maxwell is getting better with his bowling all the time,” inferred. Langer.
Apart from Windies hard-hitting sensation Andre Russell, Maxwell’s strike-rate is 120.58 which sit at the top in the ODI cricket.
Overall, Maxwell’s resurgence is a good sign for Australia to defend their World Cup title. They will take on spirited Afghanistan on June 1st at Bristol County Ground.
