Big Show Is A Big Problem...

Adam Collins on the issues surrounding Glenn Maxwell following his omission from Australia’s ODI squad

- Adam Collins

The most capable player of his generation? A waste? A player reformed? A joke? A Potential champion of every format? If seeking for a pundit to share your take on Glenn Maxwell, you don’t have to look far. The kaleidoscope of opinions that the Victorian inspires is without precedent in the modern game.

When the book is written on his career one day, and there will be one, his omission from Australia’s one-day squad for the upcoming series against England will surely form a chapter. It marks the latest bizarre instalment in his journey since debuting in 2012, coming at the time he is the leading run-scorer in domestic cricket after 278 for Victoria in a Sheffield Shield game in November. All within eight months of his quite magnificent maiden Test century.

It is important to note from the get-go that Maxwell isn’t currently in the Australian ODI side, having lost his spot during the October tour of India. ‘The Big Show’ was initially dropped a year before in the West Indies, then also missed out in Sri Lanka. But there is a big difference between being dropped mid-tour and missing out on the squad altogether. For Maxwell, it is the first January he hasn’t been called on for 50 over service since making his bow. This time it is different.

The explanation given for his dumping reinforces that he is far from the most popular man in the Australian ranks. For all of Steve Smith’s candour as captain, he isn’t the type to throw a player under the bus when they are given the chop. But he didn’t go far from that when explaining the decision when talking to the media.