I find it easier at the top of the order: Glenn Maxwell

Published - 07 Sept 2016, 11:55 IST | Updated - 07 Sept 2016, 11:55 IST

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Some eyebrows were raised when Glenn Maxwell was pushed up the order to open the batting with stand-in skipper David Warner. This move proved to be a master-stroke as Maxwell smashed the ball as well as a few records when he remained unbeaten on 145 as Australia claimed an 85-run win over Sri Lanka in the first T20 international at Pallekele. Speaking about his knock, Maxwell stated that he aimed at seizing the opportunity with both hands.

“I was really excited about it and looking forward to the opportunity,” he said. “I find it easier at the top of the order. When you are in the middle-order, you have to be proactive all the time. You have to play big shots at that time of the game and the responsibility falls on your shoulders. At the top of the order, you’ve got a little more freedom and you can play normal cricket shots without taking too many risks.”

Maxwell also added that he encouraged Travis Head to smash the ball as hard and far as he could. “I spoke to Travis and told him to keep trying and hitting it for a six,” he said. “It was at a stage where we had 260 on the board and you know you are not going to lose, so we were having a bit of fun out there.

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“He (Finch) was telling me that I was going to beat it. He said you won’t get my 16 sixes but you’ll get my score. I knew it before only because he’s told me about it like 300 times.”

Amazing knock @gmaxi_32!! Cleanest hitting you're likely to see!! #145 #T20 https://t.co/VTyG9RInN2
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) September 6, 2016

Absolutely devastated to fall short!!! ? #aberdeldietoptwo #doggamax https://t.co/AoyPCxx4cT
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) September 6, 2016

Speaking about his drop from the Australian squad, Maxwell added, “I had a bit of a lull in January and February. I felt like I did my job really well in the World T20,” he said. “West Indies was pretty disappointing because I felt I was a bit out of luck there. I just couldn’t get a break. Not being on the Sri Lanka Test tour hurt but I understood why they dropped me and I have no issues with that.