With 2026 T20 WC in mind, Maxwell begins preparations by bowling in Powerplay

As the focus gradually shifts to the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, early next year, Australia’s veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is aiming for a bigger role with the ball, especially in the PowerPlay.

Maxwell has been working increasingly on his bowling inside the Powerplay to come in handy in the sub-continental conditions. In the ongoing series against South Africa, Maxwell has bowled a couple of overs in each of the two T20Is against the Proteas. The all-rounder made a big impact in the second match, claiming two key wickets, including that of Proteas skipper Aiden Markram.

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“I think in the sub-continent, you might be able to get a little bit more out of it as a spinner early on. Especially that new ball, the hard seam, being able to grip on those dry surfaces,” Maxwell told reporters in Cairns ahead of the third T20I against South Africa.

“So it might be something we think about heading forward,” he added.

Maxwell is no stranger to bowling in the Powerplay, with his standout moment coming in the ICC 50-overs World Cup final in 2023, where he famously dismissed Rohit Sharma, setting the stage for a sixth World Cup win for Australia.

“I’m just as surprised as anyone when I get a wicket. I love getting wickets,” he said.

“It’s very surprising anytime I get anyone out. I’m there to do a job in the Powerplay and I’m trying to execute that as well as I can,” he asserted.

Maxwell also opened up about his floating position in the batting order, having come in at No.5 in the second T20I after batting at No.7 in the first. This follows his stint as an opener in four of the five T20Is against the West Indies.

“I’ve been a bit of the shuffler around the order, up and down. I’m filling holes at the moment. Even during the West Indies series, trying to combat Akeal Hosein (by) going up the top, this series is going a little bit lower, trying to manage that back end (of the innings),” he said.

“(I am) trying to play whatever role is needed for me on this side and just try and be as adaptable as possible,” the veteran batter added.

With the series tied at 1-1, Australia and South Africa are set to face off in the decider on August 16.