IPL 2021: RCB’s Glenn Maxwell feels playing in UAE ahead of the T20 World Cup will do wonders for Australian players – Royal Challengers Bangalore’s premier batsman Glenn Maxwell has said that playing IPL 2021 phase 2 in UAE ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 will do wonders for Australian players. Maxwell was in top-notch form in the first half of the IPL where he scored 223 runs in seven games at an explosive strike rate of 144.80 and an average of 37.16. The Australian power hitter also scored two fifties in the first half.
“The fact we’ve got a lot of guys going over for the IPL as a preparation, get a few games in those conditions, it’s going to do wonders for our batters. Our bowlers are going to be up and firing by the time the tournament starts. I can assure you everyone is looking forward to hitting the ground running over there,” Maxwell said speaking to icc.cricket.com.
Key players from Australia’s T20 WC squad in IPL 2021
- David Warner (SunRisers Hyderabad)
- Steve Smith (Delhi Capitals)
- Josh Hazlewood (Chennai Super Kings)
- Marcus Stoinis (Delhi Capitals)
“I think they’re very good,” Maxwell told icc-cricket.com of Australia’s hopes at the T20 World Cup. “When this team comes together, I think we’ll slip straight back into us being in a great position. We’re all looking forward to it.”
With one of T20I cricket’s most intimidating opening pairs in Finch and Warner, a flexible and talented middle-order featuring himself and Steve Smith, and an all-star attack, Maxwell is confident that Australia’s best is good enough to take them all the way.
“You look through our line-up, we’ve got a team full of match winners and guys that on their day can take the game away from the opposition. I think that’s what it’s going to take. Any day when it’s one of our players’ chance to go and win us a game – if we can take that (chance) it’s going to be hard for anyone to stop us.”
The need for their match-winners to make the most of their chances is added incentive for the Australians to hit the ground running in the United Arab Emirates.
“The key for us to win a T20 World Cup this year is to get off to a fast start,” he said. “Teams that can get off to a good start early in the tournament, get a couple of players on fire, get a couple of batters in good form, and get a couple of bowlers taking early wickets, that is the key to a lot of teams winning these tournaments.”
Australia’s Squad for T20 World Cup: Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
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