Former Australian wicket-keeper batter Adam Gilchrist is hopeful that they don’t overburden Glenn Maxwell with expectations in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Maxwell has been in good form as he delivered the goods for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the recently concluded IPL 2021.
Maxwell was at his best for RCB as he scored 513 runs in 14 innings at an average of 42.75 and an impressive strike rate of 144.10. He was the leading run-getter for his franchise and helped his team in reaching the playoff stages.
Maxwell has the skills to turn the match on its head with his blistering batting and he will certainly play a major role for Australia in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The right-hander has the skills to hit the ground running and his good form is a big positive for Australia.
Adam Gilchrist said while talking to Cricket.com.au, “He’s got a huge role to play. Whenever Glenn Maxwell delivers it’s typically in a successful team pursuit. He’s such an exciting player that when he does well it’s usually in a manner that totally demoralizes the opposition and takes the game away from them.”
“But what we’ve all learned too with a player of that type, you’re going to have some days where he misses out. I hope we don’t overburden him with expectations. I don’t think it’s a case of if he fails Australia is out. There’s plenty of good batting talent around him,” Gilchrist stated.
On the other hand, Gilchrist, who had surprisingly walked off in the semifinal of the 2003 World Cup, added that Australia should also give a chance to Josh Hazlewood. The Aussie fast bowler impressed while playing for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021 as he scalped 11 wickets in nine matches.
“Hazlewood is the one who has thrown his hand in the mix now to get a game. How they fit him in there and who they leave out is going to be interesting to see which way they go because it seems like the spinners need to be of paramount importance too,” Gilchrist added.
Australia will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against South Africa at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on 23rd October.
