Glenn Maxwell, on Tuesday, put on a masterclass in the field during Australia’s clash with New Zealand in the ongoing first ODI of the three-match series at Cazaly’s Stadium, in Cairns Queensland.
After Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first, frontline bowler Mitchell Starc drew the first blood in the form of opening batter Martin Guptill, but It was Maxwell’s fielding brilliance that got rid of the New Zealand veteran.
It all happened in the fifth over when Starc bowled a good length delivery which hinted to shape back into the right-hander but got it to seam away to square up Guptill on the push towards mid-on.
The thick outside edge flew towards the wide of backward point, and it appeared the white leather would pierce the gap, but Maxwell had some other plans as the victorian ensured he reached the ball. Maxwell stretched his left hand with a dive and plucked the one-handed stunner to pack Guptill’s innings.
Here is the video:
ICYMI: Glenn Maxwell has a rare habit of making the extremely difficult look very, very easy #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/vw8AisJ3zy
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 6, 2022
After losing Guptill early, the tourists steadied themselves thanks to a vital partnership between Devon Conway and captain Kane Williamson. The duo added 81 runs for the second wicket before the hosts came back and got rid of both set betters in quick successions.
During the 23rd over, spinner Adam Zampa trapped Conway in front as the left-handed batter fell four runs short of what could be an impressive half-century. A few overs later, captain Williamson was also sent back to the pavilion after David Warner took an easy catch to give Maxwell his first wicket of the match.
After the end of 37 overs, New Zealand have reached 157/3 with Tom Latham 33(46) and Daryl Mitchell 14(18) at the crease.
