Methodical Maxwell’s training revamp reaping the rewards

Glenn Maxwell. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell hit 77 runs off 71 deliveries in the second warm-up game against Pakistan and that should boost his confidence ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is slated to begin on October 5. Notably, the 34-year-old was out injured for quite some time and was on the verge of missing out on the marquee tournament but he recovered on time and has shown significant development since his return. Not just with the bat, but the cricketer has been excellent with the ball as well.

Meanwhile, speaking about his current practice sessions, Maxwell mentioned that his warm-up drills are more structured these days and he has to do all those little things that he skipped during the initial days of his career. The cricketer also mentioned that there is always some mental weariness about his preparations but once he gets into the groove, nothing bothers him much.

“There’s always that weariness I suppose mentally – ‘how’s it gonna go tonight?’ But once I get moving I’m absolutely fine. My warm-up’s probably a little bit more structured these days. Have to do all those little things that I negated early in my career – I used to just run out here and go 100 percent and I was fine. But probably [now] just a little bit more thought around how much time I spend out there in the warm-up and certain little drills I have to do,” Maxwell was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Australia’s plan seems ready before facing India

Travis Head is slated to miss the opening clash as Marnus Labuschagne will take his spot in the playing XI. On the other hand, Alex Carey’s spot in the playing XI remains uncertain. He has experience of playing in the sub-continent but the stumper-batter hasn’t contributed much with the bat in the recent past. Hence, Australia might incline towards Josh Inglis but given Carey’s experience, it’s unlikely that the Kangaroos will experiment in the early phase of the tournament.

On the other hand, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are expected to start as players like Glenn Maxwell and Marnus Labuschagne to assist Adam Zampa in the spin department.