Kiwis steer clear of cricket’s big show
New Zealand wisely laid off entering the Glenn Maxwell debate, which is causing ructions within the Australian cricket on the eve of the Chappell Hadlee series starting today.
Just when you thought Australia would be in good, confident, cohesive shape for the series opener, up stepped the controversial allrounder to put both his feet in his mouth, leading to being fined an undisclosed amount and given a public dressing down by captain Steve Smith in a distracting prelude to game one.
Maxwell, who has dubbed himself the Big Show in the past, spoke out of turn about national team-mate and Victorian state captain Matt Wade this week. Coach Darren Lehmann was unimpressed and yesterday Smith confirmed Maxwell has been hit in the pocket.
Maxwell essentially accused Wade of putting himself ahead of Maxwell in Victoria’s batting order to promote his chances of taking the national selectors’ eyes.
Maxwell reckoned wicketkeepers should bat below specialist batsmen and allrounders and suggested Wade’s decisions had not helped his (Maxwell’s) cause.
“Everyone was disappointed in his comments and I’ve expressed that to him myself,” Smith said yesterday.
“One of our values is respect, having respect for team-mates, opposition, fans and media and I thought what he said was very disrespectful to a team-mate and his Victorian captain. The leadership group got together decided to fine Glenn.
“We thought that was sufficient punishment.”
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson didn’t buy into the issue yesterday.
“It probably gets blown up maybe by you guys,” he grinned.
“Perhaps ‘ Maxy’ didn’t say exactly what he wanted to and that’s the way it goes. But they’ll very much be focused on the game, as we are.”
Maxwell has form for contentious conduct in the past.
Early this year, it transpired he had tried to leave Victoria to defect to New South Wales, only to be told the transfer deadline had passed.
New Zealanders will recall his choking pose to the crowd as wickets tumbled in the pool game at last year’s World Cup at Eden Park.
Then there was his stepping away and leaving a ball which cannoned into his stumps in the Big Bash League.
He’s a polarising figure, but not without his fans for the flair he brings with the bat.
Smith said Wade and Maxwell have spoken since the comments.
“[Wade] was disappointed but we’ve moved on and it’s about focusing on the game [today] and hopefully starting this series well.”
Smith said Maxwell was “a little bit shattered” with what he said.
“I don’t think he thought the words came out the way they did.”
Maxwell is available for selection today. But you’d pick the Big Show may be a No Show at the SCG.