Big Show Masters The Big Occasion

Adam Collins and Geoff Lemon take a light-hearted look at all things Australian cricket as Glenn Maxwell steals the tri-series show

- Adam Collins and Geoff Lemon

Geoff Lemon: There is no finer time, in all the history of human endeavour, to be bringing you a Final Word column, than on a gorgeous February night, balmy and soft as the smell of jasmine on your skin, when Glenn Maxwell has just won a match for Australia while raising a century from the last shot of the match with a six.

Adam Collins: Sprinkled with controversy, all in prime time. In a game Australia looked all but out of after ten overs.I had the pleasure of calling his 145 in a T20 international in Sri Lanka a couple of years ago. When he’s in that zone, there’s nothing better in world cricket. It validates every column inch we have devoted to him over the years. In a summer where he’s been treated appallingly, I’m thrilled for him. Couple of clutch wickets in consecutive balls earlier. Go you good thing.

GL: It was a Hobart pitch where batsmen struggled. Marcus Stoinis, Travis Head, smooth hitters were sputtering off the start line like they needed an oil change. England slumped to nine down for a modest score. Only Dawid Malan and D’Arcy Short got a read on that wicket, but Maxwell better than doubled what either of them could produce. Once he was in, he brought it home, which is what he’s been (often unfairly) criticised for not doing in the past.

AC: Spin to win, and all that. But pace off the ball as well. It’s remarkable to think how far this format of the game has come. Leg spin was to be slaughtered. Now it’s the key. I like that we’re still finding our way with it.