Glenn Maxwell 'invents' new cricket shot after equalling huge BBL record
The World Cup winner has carried over his scary form into the BBL.
Glenn Maxwell has left cricket fans in awe after producing another creative innings to help the Melbourne Stars chase down a rain-impacted total of 98 in their Big Bash League win over the Renegades. The match was reduced to a 14-over clash after a pre-game rain delay, which eventually saw the Melbourne Renegades post 7-97 in the first innings.
And the Stars chased down the modest total in just 12 overs finishing on 2-98. While Tom Rogers remained not out on 42 at one end, it was Maxwell's shot creation and innings of 32 from 15 deliveries that had the crowd on their feet.
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At one stage, Maxwell looked like he was going to attempt a ramp shot, but switched his bat position with the delivery too far on the offside. Instead, the World Cup winner improvised and ramped the ball over the wicketkeeper in a creative shot.
"I'm going home happy," New Zealand commentator Ian Smith said as he laughed at the shot. "Just the skill of the man," former Aussie wicketkeeper Brad Haddin added in commentary. "Gave himself room, recognised their was some pace on...That's a hard shot to play."
Maxwell finished with three sixes and two fours helping the Stars win their last four games for a 4-3 record, while the Renegades are last on 1-5. The Stars are now 16-9 in Melbourne derbies, after the Renegades won their two games last season. The teams will meet again at Marvel Stadium on January 13.
Maxwell also won his 14th BBL player of the match award. This draws his level with Chris Lynn for most individual honours in the tournament's history. "I will never get used to being at the other end to Glenn Maxwell," Rogers said after the victory.
"That's pretty ridiculous. The things he can do, I can't do them and a lot of people can't do them. "He's box-office, that guy. A great captain and a great man." Fans were quick to praise Maxwell's excellent form, which has seen him take off since this year's One Day International World Cup tournament.
🏏 Madmax at his best.
👉 Glenn Maxwell scored a brisk 32 in 15 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes against Melbourne Renegades.#BBL13 | "T20 World Cup" | "T20 WC | "BCCI" | "Deepti Sharma"pic.twitter.com/9opHAQH5oZ— Cover Drive Queen (@coverdrivequeen) January 2, 2024
Glenn Maxwell, aged 35, is playing as well as he ever has on a consistent basis. Long may it continue.#BBL13
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) January 2, 2024
Sometimes I wonder if Maxwell has a secret eye for picking these kind of balls and playing such ridiculous shots. He is clearly mocking the poor bowlers.
What a batter! 👏🔥
pic.twitter.com/KzvMTWfG5i— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) January 2, 2024
Game presence at its absolute best
— Sibtain Raza (@Sibtainrazajami) January 2, 2024
He's in his peak zone now. That innings vs Afg is unleashing Maxwell in beast mode. Could have helped RCB finally win this year but then they went into auction & got the bowlers they did 🤷🏻♂️
— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) January 2, 2024
Glenn Maxwell stars with the ball in the BBL
Maxwell also contributed with the ball to help him earn player of the match honours. Renegades marquee star Quinton de Kock raced to 23 from 16 balls before Maxwell dismissed him. Maxwell finished with an economical 1-8 after three overs.
The Renegades never recovered as spinner Dan Lawrence claimed 2-8 from his two overs. Unfortunately, Maxwell's international teammate Adam Zampa didn't enjoy his time out at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Maxwell blasted Zampa for successive sixes, which saw his figures blow out to 0-27 off three overs.
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