Maxwell knew it was ‘hit or bust’
PARTNERSHIP: RECORD SIXTH-WICKET STAND WITH CAREY
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell said “we had nothing to lose” after his century helped seal a dramatic oneday international series win over world champions England at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Australia, chasing a target of 303, were facing defeat at 73/5 when Maxwell came to the crease.
But an Australian record sixth-wicket stand of 212 between Alex Carey (106) and Maxwell (108) helped give the tourists a 2-1 success as England suffered their first home ODI series defeat in five years in what was their final match of a campaign overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier, Jonny Bairstow had revived England from 0/2 with a superb hundred that saw them to 302/7 after the opener watched from the other end as left-arm quick Mitchell Starc removed Jason Roy and Test captain Joe Root with the first two balls of the game.
Maxwell and Carey were both dismissed shortly before the finish and Australia still needed 10 to win off the last over, bowled by leg-spinner Adil Rashid.
But Starc promptly hit his first ball for six and his four off Rashid saw Australia finish on 305/7 as they won with two balls to spare.
Maxwell, asked what he was feeling as he walked out to bat, said: “I was probably feeling we had nothing much to lose. I suppose coming in at 70/5, it is probably hit or bust at that stage.
“If you lose another wicket in the next five or 10 overs it is pretty hard to expect the bowlers to do the job at the back.
“Having trust in my own technique and in my partner at the other end, myself and Alex have had some good partnerships over the last few of years and I really enjoyed batting with him at the other end.”
Australia’s series victory was all the more creditable as star batsman Steve Smith missed all three matches due to a head injury sustained in the nets.
Maxwell’s hundred was just his second in 113 ODIs, with wicketkeeper Carey hitting a maiden ton in 39 matches at this level.
“What makes Maxwell)so damaging is that he can play all around the ground,” said Australia captain Aaron Finch. – AFP