Mitchell Johnson Picks Glenn Maxwell as Australia’s Captain for 2019 World Cup

May 29, 2019 at 6:56 PM

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Mitchell Johnson Picks Glenn Maxwell as Australia’s Captain for 2019 World Cup

Retired Aussie quick, Mitchell Johnson has nominated Glenn Maxwell to lead Australia in the 2019 World Cup. In the wake of the series loss at the hands of India, and current skipper, Aaron Finch, remaining on they grey land; Johnson said picking Maxwell could raise a few eyebrows. Having played with star all-rounder in the Australia team and the IPL; Mitch added the energetic cricketer often got misunderstood.

Maxwell is a cricket tragic who loves the game – Johnson

The former fast bowler, who, on his day could dismantle any batting line up; said Maxwell wouldn’t be anyone’s first choice captain. However, the way he has led Melbourne Renegades has been impressive. Also, Mitchell feels the leadership has matured Maxwell into a better player.

Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson
Leadership has matured Maxwell into a better player. Image Courtesy: Getty

Writing for Perth Now, he said how by pipping others, Maxwell could be the surprise choice as the skipper for the mega event. Meanwhile, Australia, in their title defence, will face Afghanistan in Bristol on May 1.

“My decision to pick Glenn Maxwell as captain might raise eyebrows,” Johnson wrote for Perth Now. “But having played with him both for Australia and in the Indian Premier League, I can say that this polarising cricketer is misunderstood. He might not be your typical first-choice captain, though clearly, Melbourne Stars have seen something in Maxwell. Leadership has helped him mature, helped to settle him and bring the best out of him.”

Furthermore, Maxwell in the recently-concluded ODI series against India impressed coach Justin Langer with his ‘finisher’s’ role. Pressing on the same, Mitchell Johnson says their players need to be put under some pressure.

“I think we need our sportsmen to have a certain presence and have the confidence to give their opinion in a team environment and he definitely does that. More importantly, Maxwell is a cricket tragic who loves the game and thinks deeply about it.”

He reads the game well – Mitchell Johnson

Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson
Maxwell can read the game well, reckons former teammate Johnson. Image Courtesy: Getty

Johnson reveals how Maxwell makes his presence felt in the team meetings. Having played alongside Maxi in Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, the pacer says he knows the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. Also, Johnson opined Glenn Maxwell understands the game well, and that’s important for any captain.

“I spent a lot of time with Maxwell in the IPL at both Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab and he was always very vocal in team meetings … particularly with planning such as fielding positions for certain players. He knows opposition players very well and he doesn’t forget much.

“He reads the game well and that’s essential for a captain. Maxi is not a leader who will just let things roll on, either. He thinks outside the square. He is 30 now and knows the game inside out.”

Australia now will host Sri Lanka for two Tests, starting at the Gabba in Brisbane on January 24th.

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