Fizz, Shakib a threat for Aussies: Maxwell

The Bangladesh duo always a threat in home condition

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell deemed Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman a great threat for them in the upcoming series, considering the pitch will be conducive to their bowling style.

Shakib however has always been a threat for the overseas batsmen in the home condition and made it normal to claim five-for in an innings while if the pitch is typically slow, Mustafizur could have been dangerous because of stock weapons—slower and cutter.

Mustafizur’s pace of late has dropped to some extent after he underwent a shoulder injury but Maxwell, from his first hand experience to deal with Mustafizur, believed the left-arm seamer could be more menacing despite dropping the pace.

In international cricket, Maxwell faced off Bangladesh thrice, of which the latest match in the ICC Champions Trophy was rained out. He made just five runs in 2014 World T20 and 26 off 15 in 2016 World T20 against Bangladesh.

In those matches, Maxwell played just four balls of Mustafizur and scored 13 runs with the help of two sixes. The stat though wasn’t that significant but Maxwell looked to have upperhand over Mustafizur so far.  Maxwell had also seen Mustafizur during the IPL of 2016 when the pacer was in the form of his life.

 “Mustafizur is obviously the exceptional bowler we faced during the IPL during his breakthrough season,” Maxwell said.

“I suppose his pace dropped off as he played a bit more Test cricket. He is still an outstanding bowler who has the ability to swing it and has an unbelievable change-up slower ball. He is not your conventional left-arm seamer. He is obviously got a very flexible wrist with which he can flick it in the last moment. It looks exactly the same either it is his bumper or his slower ball. It is a hard thing to pick up.”

While Maxwell pondered Mustafizur as tough to pick up, he touted Shakib as the most influential player of Bangladesh.

“The same thing is applicable with Shakib who is a really experienced player. He has been the No 1 all-rounder in the world for a while. He is an excellent cricketer. We have to play these guys really well to negate their influence in the Test series and make sure we are staying on top of the game.”

Maxwell though himself is an all-rounder, he kept Shakib ahead of him, considering the Bangladeshi as a genuine all-rounder.

 “I am probably more of a batsman while he is probably more of a genuine allrounder. I will try to make runs and then support the offspinner in our team when he needs it.”

However despite making his Test debut in 2013, Maxwell is yet to cement his place in the team. After being dropped in 2014, he again made a comeback during the series against India earlier this year and hinted at rejuvenating his career with a superb century in the third Test. This series against Bangladesh however will be crucial for him to continue the form.

“I wouldn’t say settled. It was a nice feeling to get that hundred. You still have a long way to go before you cement your spot in the Australia cricket team. I know that I have got to be relentless in my performance and consistency. I have to make sure contributing in all areas of the game. I will be hoping to nail that spot as quick and for as long as I can,” he said.

 

Fizz, Shakib a threat for Aussies: Maxwell

The Bangladesh duo always a threat in home condition

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell deemed Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman a great threat for them in the upcoming series, considering the pitch will be conducive to their bowling style. Shakib however has always been a threat for the overseas batsmen in the home condition and made it normal to claim five-for in an innings while if the pitch is typically slow, Mustafizur could have been dangerous because of stock weaponsslower and cutter. Mustafizurs pace of late has dropped to some extent after he underwent a shoulder injury but Maxwell, from his first hand experience to deal with Mustafizur, believed the left-arm seamer could be more menacing despite dropping the pace. In international cricket, Maxwell faced off Bangladesh thrice, of which the latest match in the ICC Champions Trophy was rained out. He made just five runs in 2014 World T20 and 26 off 15 in 2016 World T20 against Bangladesh. In those matches, Maxwell played just four balls of Mustafizur and scored 13 runs with the help of two sixes. The stat though wasnt that significant but Maxwell looked to have upperhand over Mustafizur so far. Maxwell had also seen Mustafizur during the IPL of 2016 when the pacer was in the form of his life. Mustafizur is obviously the exceptional bowler we faced during the IPL during his breakthrough season, Maxwell said. I suppose his pace dropped off as he played a bit more Test cricket. He is still an outstanding bowler who has the ability to swing it and has an unbelievable change-up slower ball. He is not your conventional left-arm seamer. He is obviously got a very flexible wrist with which he can flick it in the last moment. It looks exactly the same either it is his bumper or his slower ball. It is a hard thing to pick up. While Maxwell pondered Mustafizur as tough to pick up, he touted Shakib as the most influential player of Bangladesh. The same thing is applicable with Shakib who is a really experienced player. He has been the No 1 all-rounder in the world for a while. He is an excellent cricketer. We have to play these guys really well to negate their influence in the Test series and make sure we are staying on top of the game. Maxwell though himself is an all-rounder, he kept Shakib ahead of him, considering the Bangladeshi as a genuine all-rounder. I am probably more of a batsman while he is probably more of a genuine allrounder. I will try to make runs and then support the offspinner in our team when he needs it. However despite making his Test debut in 2013, Maxwell is yet to cement his place in the team. After being dropped in 2014, he again made a comeback during the series against India earlier this year and hinted at rejuvenating his career with a superb century in the third Test. This series against Bangladesh however will be crucial for him to continue the form. I wouldnt say settled. It was a nice feeling to get that hundred. You still have a long way to go before you cement your spot in the Australia cricket team. I know that I have got to be relentless in my performance and consistency. I have to make sure contributing in all areas of the game. I will be hoping to nail that spot as quick and for as long as I can, he said.