Last week, just before the start of Big Bash’s playoffs, viewers witnessed the highest ever total of 273, courtesy of one and only Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 154 runs. The reactions from all over the globe came pouring in for Maxwell, and rightfully so.
The way Glenn Maxwell dominated the T20 scenario last year, his inning against Hobart Hurricanes just proved to be icing on the cake. So let’s look at how he has finally justified the tag of ‘Big Show’ in recent times in T20 cricket.
Redemption done right at IPL
Maxwell truly arrived on the IPL scene in 2014, when the Punjab franchise became the first team that utilized him for the whole season. And he did bring some glory for the team, helping his team reach the finals of IPL for the first and the only time in the franchise’s history. A nightmare for bowlers that season, he played with an astonishing strike rate of 187.76. But from there on, it was only downhill for him till 2021.
But what changed in 2021 after the poor show of half a decade? Bangalore did what Punjab did with Maxwell in their first season—showing trust and handing him the extra responsibility. This added responsibility gave birth to the new Glenn Maxwell. With only one season, he had washed away all the past sins and bettered his numbers.
2021 was his best outing in every right. Till 2020 IPL season, he had made 6 50+ scores. He made the same number of half-centuries in 2021 alone. He even bettered the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in terms of carrying the batting department, becoming the backbone of the team.
A star for Melbourne in Big Bash
As compared to IPL, Maxwell has comparatively delivered more consistently in the BBL. Being part of a three-time runners-up team, Maxwell has been an integral part of Melbourne Stars over the years.
The 2021 BBL season was extra special. Maxwell, more confident about his shots, more mature about his shot selection, and from his IPL experience, carried the same approach at Big Bash. With his season-best performance this year, Maxwell delivered with an average of 42.55.
His last inning is a testament to how he still backs his favorite shot – the pull, which had become a point of criticism in his career from cricket pundits. Shame that the Stars didn’t make it to the eliminators this season even after such performances.
What more for Maxi?
There’s no doubt that 2021 was the year of Glenn Maxwell as the T20 player. His change of approach was also visible in the recent T20I World Cup. While not the most effective in the series, ultimately, his unbeaten 28 saw Australia clinching the title. With the IPL nearing in and another T20 World Cup lined up this year, we might witness more batting spectacles from this monstrous batting talent.