Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was left ‘speechless’ by watching Glenn Maxwell’s quick-fire knock of 46 runs off just 26 balls from the non-striker’s end against the West Indies in Barbados. His match-sealing inning fired the world champions into the Caribbean tri-series final.
Talking to cricket.com.au, the 24-year old said, "I was literally speechless at the other end watching an innings like that." Chasing a competitive total of 283, Australia were guided by the half-centuries from captain Steve Smith and Marsh before late surge by a spirited Maxwell helped his side cruise to victory and fix a berth in final with eight balls to spare.
The right-handed all-rounder also rated his knock of unbeaten 79 from 85 balls in a crucial situation as one of the best performances of his cricket career. Referring to the poor patch of the Victorian when he struggled to score runs which led to his axing from the 50-over side, Marsh added, "Maxi's obviously had a lot of doubts and hasn't been in the greatest of form, but an innings like that tonight really shows why he's one of the first picked in this side.
“He's just so dangerous and he can win us games like that in a few overs. I'm really wrapped for him.”
Also read: West Indies v Australia, 2016: Stats - Starc, batsmen propel Australia to the final
Maxwell made a comeback into Australian playing eleven after being dropped after dismal performances in the first two match of the tri-series at Kensington Oval and ended his streak of low scores. He was dropped during the previous two matches on an account of his poor form, his first axing since November 2014.
Maxwell played to his reputation and smashed West Indian bowlers for five fours and two maximums, which included a switch hit off the bowling of mystery spinner Sunil Narine.
"He actually told me we would just take (Narine) for ones and next minute he's playing a reverse sweep for six. I absolutely loved it. Maxi's a free spirit, you've just got to let him go and do what he does. And when it comes off like that, it's unbelievable to watch," remarked Marsh.
Earlier, the hosts posted 282 runs for eight after being asked to bat first, powered by the man of the match Marlon Samuels’ knock of 125 runs, which is also his first ever hundred against Australia.
The Kangaroos emerged victorious in their must-win match and now West Indies and South Africa will face each other in a virtual semifinal game on Friday to compete with the Aussies in the final on Sunday.
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