Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja has backed Glenn Maxwell to do well in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 despite a horrendous run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Khawaja made a strong statement as he said that “the IPL form is absolutely irrelevant”.
“The IPL form is absolutely irrelevant. Maxy’s proven himself time and time again. Any player who’s performed over a long period of time understands that you can’t perform well every time you go out there," Khawaja told the West Australian.
"You take a few risks, particularly if you bat in the middle order, and T20 cricket’s not easy.But (for this tournament) if he gets one good innings, he’s away. It doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past. He’s not going to change his game and nor should he. Just keep going. He’ll find it," the veteran opener added.
Maxwell’s dull IPL 2024 numbers
Maxwell managed to score just 52 runs from 10 games at an average of 5.78. He recorded two golden ducks and his high score in the season was 28. As a result, he asked the team management to drop him and include England batting all-rounder Will Jacks in his place.
Maxwell missed first warm-up game
Maxwell did not play in Australia's first warm-up game against Namibia. He is yet to join the squad in the US. Australia won the game comprehensively by seven wickets. The Mitchell Marsh-led side will face co-hosts and two-time T20 World Champions West Indies in their second warm-up game on May 30.
Maxwell’s T20 World Cup numbers
Maxwell has scored 446 runs from 24 games in T20 World Cup over the years. His average in the marquee tournament is 27.87. He has two half-centuries and a strike rate of 147.68 at the big stage.
Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign opener
Australia are placed in Group B alongside Namibia, Scotland, Oman and defending champions England. Australia will start their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Oman at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on June 5.
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