Glenn Maxwell: From zero to hero

Can Maxwell live up to his price tag?

Glenn Maxwell was the highlight of the recent IPL auctions. Mumbai Indians acquired the services of the all rounder for a whopping Rs 5.3 crore.

Maxwell, 24, is an Australian cricketer who plays for the Victorian Bushrangers in the Sheffield Shield, limited overs and Twenty20 matches. He also plays for the Fitzroy Doncaster club in Melbourne. An all rounder by nature, Maxwell is a right arm off spinner and has a batting average of over 30 for Victoria in interstate one day cricket. He holds the record for the fastest ever half-century in Australian interstate one day cricket, reaching 50 runs off 19 balls. He has also played for Australia in the Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes. He represented Etihad Stadium-based Melbourne Renegades in the inaugural Big Bash League (2011–12 season). In May 2012, Hampshire announced to sign him for their campaign in Friends Life T20 2012 season.

Maxwell became the costliest player in the auction and team owners were fighting for him.

“He is an upcoming youngster. He can bat, bowl and I think he is a great fielder. We had thought of some names before we came here and he was one of them,” said Mumbai owner Nita Ambani on the logic behind making such a high bid for the youngster, who is just eight ODIs and nine T20s old in the international arena.