I didn’t want this to be my last Test: Maxwell

A “sleepless night” was followed by a dream day as Glenn Maxwell notched up his maiden Test century. The flamboyant Australian spoke after his landmark achievement on his return to the Test side after more than two years in the wilderness. Excerpts:

On his comeback to the Test side

It’s been a long time between drinks since 2014, my last Test. I didn’t want to waste the opportunity, didn’t want to make it my last Test that’s for sure. I know how bad it felt when I played that last game in Dubai and didn’t play again. Ijust wanted to make it count, every opportunity I get. To get back in the side in the first place was something I really held close to my heart. I was so happy to be able to walk back on the field with the Australian Test team with the Baggy Green cap on and I was just filled with joy when I got told I had the opportunity to do that again.”

On being unbeaten on 82 overnight

I thought about it all night. I went through about 300 to 400 different scenarios that could’ve happened the next day, most of them weren’t good. Even thinking about it now I’ve got a frog in my throat.

On what the century means to him

It’s as special a moment as I’ve had in my career and hopefully, it’s not the last. So much emotion fell out of me as soon as I got that hundred. Hopefully, it just ticks something inside that I can continue to be consistent. If I can keep producing long innings and batting long periods of time, building partnerships with other players, that’s going to go a long way to firstly holding my spot and secondly, winning games for Australia.