We've probably turned a corner in T20Is, says Glenn Maxwell
What's the story
Australian cricket team all-rounder Glenn Maxwell feels the side is moving in the right direction in the build-up to the ICC World T20 next year. Maxwell credited the side's improved results in the shortest format down to the influx of 20-over specialists. Since 2018, Australia have done reasonably well in T20Is. Here's what Maxwell has said.
Rise
Numbers show Australia have improved since 2018
The statistics since 2018 show a significant improvement in T20Is for Australia. Since the start last year, Australia have maintained a win percentage of 59. This is much better than their overall win percentage of 52 in T20Is. Meanwhile, their win/loss ratio of 1.625 is also better than their overall corresponding number of 1.173. This shows the ground they have made up.
BBL
BBL has also played a crucial role for the side
A crucial factor for Aussies doing well in T20Is is due to roping in specialists from the Big Bash League (BBL). Several fresh players that have been seen of late in the set-up, have done well in BBL. The likes of Ashton Agar, Ashton Turner, Billy Stanlake and Ben McDermott are prime examples. All these four are currently in the squad versus Sri Lanka.
Views
I feel like we've probably turned a corner: Maxwell
"For the last 18 months to two years, I feel like we've probably turned a corner and results have massively improved," Maxwell told ESPNcricinfo. Maxwell said the manner in which they have looked at T20 cricket was the big change. Rather than picking an ODI side and turning it into a T20I outfit, the Aussies chose to focus on specialists in the format.
Specialists
We've actually got specialist roles for T20Is: Maxwell
Maxwell likes the idea of having specialists in the T20I set-up. "Now we've actually got specialist roles for T20, which is nice, and I think with that change and mindset, results have changed a little bit for us. I think especially guys figuring out their roles and knowing where they fit into the side is a massive thing," claimed Maxwell.
AUS vs SL
Warner, Maxwell shine as Australia beat Sri Lanka
Australia are also bolstered by the return of star players David Warner and Steve Smith in the T20I team. Warner, who shined for Australia in the 2019 World Cup, smashed a maiden T20I hundred in the first T20I against Sri Lanka on Sunday. Warner was at his absolute best to hand Australia a commanding 134-run win. Maxwell hit a solid 62 as well.
Information
Australia will be looking to do well in recent T20Is
Australia will be wanting to wrap up the series against Lanka with two more T20Is to go. Post this series, the Aaron Finch-led side will face Pakistan in a three-match T20I series, starting November 3. This is a crucial moment for the Aussies.