Star Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who smashed a match-winning century against Netherlands in an ODI World Cup match, has criticised the light and sound show during the breaks, calling it a ‘horrible idea’ and claiming that they cause “shocking headaches”.
The 35-year-old Maxwell produced one of the most remarkable displays of death-over batting ever seen in a One Day International on Wednesday as his extraordinary innings finished in the final over with his score on 106 from just 44 balls — a knock which had nine fours and eight sixes.
With this, he broke South African batter Aiden Markarm’s record of 49 balls – a blazing hundred that came against Sri Lanka at the same Arun Jaitley Stadium, earlier in this tournament,
Apart from Maxwell, opener David Warner also hit a brilliant century (104 off 93) while Steven Smith also played a vital knock ( 71 off 68) as Australia posted a massive total of 399/8 in 50 overs. In reply, Netherlands were bowled out for paltry 90 in 21 overs, giving Australia a massive 309 runs victory.
“And I just felt like it gave me shocking headaches and it takes me a while for my eyes to readjust and I just think it’s the dumbest idea for cricketers,” said Maxwell after the game.
“So I just try and cover up as much as I possibly can and ignore it but it’s a horrible, horrible idea. Great for the fans, horrible for the players,” he added.
However, Maxwell’s teammate Warner differed on the matter saying it’s all about the fans.
“I absolutely loved the light show, what an atmosphere. It’s all about the fans. Without you all we won’t be able to do what we love,” he said.
Meanwhile, the century was a massive confidence booster for Maxwell, who wasn’t able to score much before the Netherlands game.
“Nice to get some rhythm finally in the tournament. Huge confidence booster. Some doubts do creep in when you are consistently not making runs. Hopefully I can ride forward from this. Pretty much the perfect game with bat and ball for us. Three wins now and certainly starting to get that momentum as a team,” the attacking batter said.
The record win against Netherlands gave Australia an enormous net run rate improvement as they strengthened their grip on a top-four spot in the standings. The Pat Cummins led side will now face New Zealand in Dharamsala next on Saturday.
