In a disappointing return to the Australian side, Glenn Maxwell was dismissed for just two runs off four deliveries in the fourth T20 International (T20I) against India, played at Carrara Oval on November 6. Maxwell’s brief stay at the crease ended when he was clean bowled by India’s mystery spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy, at a crucial moment when Australia needed over 12 runs per over to win the match.
Glenn Maxwell’s Struggles Against Varun Chakaravarthy
Maxwell’s dismissal marked the sixth time he has been dismissed by Chakaravarthy in T20 cricket, the most by any bowler against the Australian batter. This added another chapter to the intriguing battle between the two, with Maxwell falling to Chakaravarthy more than any other bowler in his T20 career.
In the list of most dismissals for Maxwell against a specific bowler in T20s, Chakaravarthy now shares the top spot with Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, each having dismissed Maxwell five times. Interestingly, despite Maxwell’s struggles against Chakaravarthy, it is only Bumrah and Jadeja who have dismissed him more frequently (seven times each).
Australia’s Loss and India’s Series Lead
The loss in the fourth T20I was a tough blow for Australia, who were chasing a target of 168 set by India. At one point, they seemed on track, but a string of wickets, including Maxwell’s early departure, halted their progress. Australia’s middle-order collapse proved too much to recover from, and they ended up losing by 48 runs.
Maxwell’s return to the XI after a lengthy injury layoff had promised much, but his struggles at the crease, coupled with tight bowling from Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, and Washington Sundar, meant Australia could not mount a successful chase. The defeat left India with a 2-1 series lead, with the fifth match scheduled to take place at the Gabba on November 8.
The Australian side will be hoping for a better performance in the final two matches as they look to level the series and avoid a series defeat at home.
