![Glenn Maxwell going out of his ways to be useful to Australia in T20s [Source: AFP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1755163493903_glenn_maxwell_australia.jpg?type=mq)
Glenn Maxwell going out of his ways to be useful to Australia in T20s [Source: AFP Photos]
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set to be played in India and Sri Lanka, Australia’s Glenn Maxwell is ready to add another weapon to his all-rounder arsenal. He is exploring bowling with the new ball inside the powerplay, as subcontinent conditions will aid his new quest.
Maxwell has previously showcased his talent with explosive batting and handy off-spin. He is mostly used as a part-time bowler to put a plug on the flow of runs. However, Maxwell is now looking to expand his arsenal.
Glenn Maxwell To Become Powerplay Bowler For Australia
The 2026 T20 World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Hence, Glenn Maxwell has been putting extra focus on bowling early overs to make the most of sub-continental conditions.
Speaking to the press in Cairns before the third T20I against South Africa, he explained why this adjustment could be crucial for Australia’s team balance in the T20 World Cup.
"I think in the sub-continent you might be able to get a little bit more out of it as a spinner early on. Especially that new ball, the hard seam, being able to grip on those dry surfaces. So it might be something we think about heading forward," Maxwell said.
The Aussie star, interestingly, has experience in this role. His most famous powerplay moment came in the 2023 ODI World Cup final when he dismissed India captain Rohit Sharma, a wicket that helped set up Australia’s historic sixth World Cup win.
“I'm just as surprised as anyone when I get a wicket. I love getting wickets. It's very surprising anytime I get anyone out. I'm there to do a job in the Powerplay and I'm trying to execute that as well as I can," he added.
In the current T20I series against South Africa, Maxwell has already bowled two overs in the powerplay. In the second match, he made a major impact, claiming two key wickets, including skipper Aiden Markram.
Maxwell Also Experimenting With His Batting Order
That being said, 35-year-old Glenn Maxwell has also been shifting around the batting order to suit the team's needs. In the second T20I against South Africa, he batted at No.5 after coming in at No.7 in the first match.
"I've been a bit of the shuffler around the order, up and down. I'm filling holes at the moment. Even during the West Indies series, trying to combat Akeal Hosein (by) going up the top, this series going a little bit lower, trying to manage that back end (of the innings). (I am) trying to play whatever role is needed for me in this side and just try and be as adaptable as possible."
Earlier this year, against the West Indies, he even opened the batting in four of the five T20Is to counter left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein.
Needless to say, with the T20 World Cup approaching, Maxwell’s ability to bowl early overs, finish innings with the bat, or even open when required could make him one of Australia’s most valuable assets.
