Glenn Maxwell has once again proven his versatility in the ongoing five-match T20I series against the West Indies. After beginning the series at No.5, the explosive all-rounder was promoted to open the batting and didn’t disappoint. In three innings at the top, Maxwell hammered scores of 12 (10), 20 (7), and 47 (18), giving Australia quickfire starts and plenty of momentum.
His performances have sparked speculation about a potential permanent role as an opener in Australia’s T20I setup. Notably, Maxwell’s record as an opener in T20Is is impressive — 298 runs, including a stunning unbeaten 145 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. However, the man himself has played down any talk of a permanent move to the top of the order.
Maxwell on Opening: “Just Warming Heady’s Seat”
Maxwell addressed the growing chatter with humility and clarity, stating, “It’s been great fun being at the top, but I’m sure I’m just warming Heady’s seat until he comes back.”
He emphasized that the team is likely to return to its preferred structure once Travis Head is available again. Head, who has been a fixture in Australia’s top order, is expected to reclaim his opening spot alongside captain Mitch Marsh.
Maxwell praised Marsh’s leadership, saying, “The way we’re probably going to set up our T20 side heading forward is you’ve got Travis up the top, you’ve got Mitch Marsh, who is captaining us brilliantly at the moment.”
No.3 Role Locked by Josh Inglis, Middle-Order Firepower Boosts Balance
One of Australia’s longstanding issues — the No.3 position — now seems resolved thanks to Josh Inglis. The Leeds-born wicketkeeper-batter has excelled in the role, averaging 54.00 in the series and showcasing consistency and calm under pressure.
“Ingo is doing a great job at No.3, and the rest of the order falls into place around that,” Maxwell noted.
The middle-order has also been a source of strength, with the likes of Tim David, Mitch Owen, and Cameron Green stepping up. David, in particular, made headlines with a blistering 100 off just 37 balls in St Kitts — a knock that featured 11 sixes and highlighted his devastating hitting power.
Maxwell believes this new-found muscle in the middle order could give Australia a competitive edge. “They’re three pretty big blokes with big reach, and they hit the ball an absolute mile. It’s not something we’ve had an abundance of over the years, and to have that at our disposal is pretty exciting,” he added.
