'What the f***': Glenn Maxwell in bizarre post-match controversy in Big Bash
Fresh controversy has erupted over Glenn Maxwell’s omission from Australia’s limited overs tour of India after an incredible match-winning knock in the Big Bash on Friday night.
And Melbourne Renegades rival Dan Christian summed it up best during post-game pleasantries when he asked Maxwell: “What the f*** are you doing here?”
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Melbourne Stars continued the Renegades' winless BBL season of woe, a brilliant half-century by Maxwell propelling the ladder leaders to a seven-wicket win over the reigning champions.
In their first meeting at Marvel Stadium since last season's final, the Renegades made 7-168 after being sent in on Friday night, Shaun Marsh top-scoring with 63.
The Stars were struggling at 3-54 in reply before masterful Maxwell blasted 83 from 45 balls, including seven sixes, to consign the Renegades to a dismal 0-8 record.
Needing six runs to win with nine balls remaining, Maxwell finished the contest in fine style, belting stand-in skipper Christian over the fence.
The wonderful knock left many fans and commentators wondering how selectors could possibly have left Maxwell at home instead of sending him to India.
“What the f*** are you doing here?” Christian could be heard asking Maxwell after they shook hands, apparently suggesting he should be in India instead.
Maxwell at peace after mental health break
Both line-ups were shuffled for the clash with Renegades Aaron Finch and Kane Richardson and Stars Peter Handscomb and Adam Zampa departing for the Australian ODI tour.
Maxwell, a 110-ODI veteran, would usually have been on the plane with them, but he understands why he wasn't given his disappointing showing at last year's World Cup.
"(The selectors) were probably right; my World Cup wasn't good enough," he said.
"I'll just keep trying to do as well as I can for the Stars and keep leading them to wins."
It was Maxwell's third half-century of a BBL season that marked his return to cricket after a break to concentrate on his mental health.
Pretty certain Dan Christian just indicated to Maxwell how ridiculous it is that he is not in India, we must agree #bbl
— Andrew Pizaro (@coachpiza) January 10, 2020
the way australian cricket has wasted this man's talent is bloody criminal.
— dean robertson (@deanbayou) January 10, 2020
Kohli will be laughing at this non selection, he is a big supporter of maxi, One of Langers clangers
— jk06 (@jk06OZ) January 10, 2020
Why is maxwell here and not in India with the rest of the Australian team https://t.co/yCNE8xONAs
— Kieran Williams (@KieranW14413457) January 10, 2020
Maxwell is in terrific form, I wonder why he's not included in Australian ODI squad that is touring India this month. #83notout #bbl #melbournestars https://t.co/NygUvoxeIS
— Pratik Bhoir (@PratikMBhoir) January 10, 2020
Agree. Maxwell is tonking them. Should be playing in India right now! https://t.co/0LakPHWYCa
— Hezza (@Hezza7) January 10, 2020
I have said it earlier that the Australian selection criteria and their team management sometimes opt for complicated approaches instead of common sense. The recent one is exclusion of Glenn Maxwell from the ODI squad touring India. This guy is an absolute freak. #BBL2019
— Satyakam (@satyakam92) January 10, 2020
Maxwell game is at another level. Shocking to see him not in squad against India. Real game changer @BBL
— Zarak Aman (@stzarak) January 10, 2020
What goes through selectors heads when they say “Na we don’t want this bloke in the side.” How he isn’t going to India is ridiculous. #BBL09 #Maxwell https://t.co/KYCAyzEtfT
— Daniel Passante (@danpassante21) January 10, 2020
"Being mentally fresh before the tournament ... I had no baggage coming in," Maxwell replied when asked why he feels he's been in such good form.
"I think back to the break I had and I'm so thankful that Cricket Australia and all the powers that were able to grant me that break to get myself right because I think I'm starting to see the benefits now.
"I've got no demons in my head. I've been able to get everything off my chest and be able to deal with things better.
"I'm still talking to people about managing different parts of my life to make sure that I have that balance.
"It's nice to be a bit more relaxed when I'm batting. I don't have anything going on in the back of my mind, I don't have any of these other thoughts.
"It's been nice and calm out there."
with AAP
