NEW DELHI: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has expressed his strong desire to remain an integral part of the Australian cricket team, underscoring his belief that his wealth of experience makes him an invaluable asset even after the upcoming ODI World Cup.
Regarded as a pivotal figure in the team's white-ball strategy, Maxwell's presence has been secured in the Australian lineup for the impending tour of South Africa. Notably, he has also secured a place in the preliminary squad for the forthcoming ODI World Cup.
Maxwell faced a significant setback following the 2022 T20 World Cup due to a severe leg injury. This injury, stemming from a slip during a casual gathering, resulted in multiple fractures, leading to an extended period of absence from the sport.
Presently, at 34 years of age, Maxwell is in prime condition after enduring a disrupted 2022-23 season due to the broken leg. Eagerly anticipating his participation, he is set to contribute to Australia's T20 matches during the white-ball tour of South Africa, slated to commence later this month. Beyond that, he's also looking forward to the 50-over World Cup in India, scheduled to kick off in October.
"I'll keep playing as long as people will have me, until they think that someone is more deserving of my spot, which is fine. Until then, I'll keep plugging along and trying to win games as much as I can. I still feel fit, I still feel young, especially with the role I play. I still try to get to hotspots in the field so I’m not hiding at all.
"I think it‘s nice in my role that you can have someone who’s experienced. It’s a hard thing for a young player to come in and do that role," Maxwell was quoted by Fox Cricket.
Australia has announced a fairly experienced squad for the tour of South Africa, introducing a few newcomers such as Aaron Hardie and Spencer Johnson, who are poised to make their debut appearances in overseas matches.
These series are always handy for younger players trying to break into the national side, but Maxwell says experience is crucial and it’s why he wants to stay on as the team’s batting anchor who can change a game in the space of five overs.
"I‘ve got a lot of scar tissue that’s been built up from the mistakes I’ve made in that role and I think that sort of comes with experience. You need that sort of built-up resilience. You need to have made those mistakes to be better at that middle-order role.
"When you have those young guys that come in, they might have success with their first game but a couple of games of failure, it’s really hard to come back from. Sometimes you just get used to failure as an older person and you can sort of have the resilience to come back from it. I’ll play as long as I’m wanted," he said.
Maxwell will travel to South Africa this week for the three T20Is and will return home, missing the five ODIs, for the birth of his first child before rejoining the squad in India for the World Cup.
(With IANS inputs)
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