"They haven't had a lot else to talk about in the last few months" - Glenn Maxwell takes dig at himself by recalling his WC knock against Afghanistan
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has jokingly remarked that he hasn't given the media and fans much to discuss since his freakish knock against Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Victorian claimed he is looking forward to facing the Afghanistan spinners in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Maxwell helped Australia stage one of the greatest comebacks in ODIs, becoming the first batter to hammer a double-century in the format while chasing. With the Aussies reeling at 91-7 while chasing 292 against Afghanistan, they got there without losing another wicket to stun everyone. Maxwell stayed unbeaten on 201 in the company of Pat Cummins.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday's (June 23) fixture against Afghanistan, Maxwell stated that he feels good to have inspired people through his innings.
The 35-year-old was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au:
"They haven't had a lot else to talk about in the last few months. I do find a lot of people will come up and (talk about) that innings during the World Cup, which is nice. It's nice to have been able to touch and affect so many people and hopefully inspire people to want to play the game. But I've been able to park it and move on."
The ace all-rounder came into the 2024 T20 World Cup on the back of an abysmal IPL 2024 season for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, he played a promising knock against England and did the same against Bangladesh in the Super 8 stage.
"I probably enjoy it when it's a bit tough" - Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell added that he often likes it when the circumstances and opposition are tough in T20 cricket, given the batters must navigate their way to score runs.
"I probably enjoy it when it's a bit tough. I think your skill can shine through on those tougher wickets. It's not as easy as swinging through the line all the time. You've got to be smart and pretty adaptive to what's in front of you. That felt like the challenge of that England game where myself and Mitch (Marsh) had to plan our way through and set it up for the back end," he elaborated in the same interview.
Australia are among the three sides to stay unbeaten in the competition thus far alongside India and England.