Glenn Maxwell's Relentless Pursuit of Test Cricket Shines in His Debut Book, ‘The Showman’

Glenn Maxwell has long been recognized as one of the most destructive batsmen in modern-day Australia’s white-ball cricket. The 2023 Cricket World Cup in India cemented his legacy as he shattered multiple records and delivered unforgettable performances. In October, he recorded the fastest century in World Cup history, reaching the milestone in just 40 balls against the Netherlands. A month later, he made history again with the fastest double century in a World Cup, becoming only the third player ever to achieve this feat. Notably, Maxwell also became the first male Australian batsman to score a double century in ODIs and sealed the

Despite these monumental achievements, Maxwell’s journey was far from easy. His career is a testament to resilience, overcoming personal setbacks like a devastating leg injury and significant struggles with mental health. Maxwell’s debut book, The Showman, chronicles his inspiring story, diving deep into the moments that defined his career and his unyielding quest for Test cricket glory.

The central theme of Maxwell’s book is his passion for Test cricket, which remains an unfulfilled dream. He candidly shares the frustration of never donning the Baggy Green on Australian soil and recounts near-misses like the 2012 Boxing Day Test. Maxwell was on the brink of playing but was sidelined when Shane Watson passed a last-minute fitness test—only to re-injure himself during the match.

In 2016, Maxwell attempted a move from Victoria to New South Wales, encouraged by Cricket Australia’s then high-performance boss Pat Howard, to strengthen his Test prospects. His breakthrough came in 2017 with a century in Ranchi, but his Test career was derailed shortly after. Maxwell channeled this

disappointment into motivation, delivering his best Sheffield Shield season in 2017-18, amassing 707 runs at an average of 50.50, including a monumental 278 against New South Wales.

Another highlight of ‘The Showman’ is Maxwell’s account of his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), particularly his strained relationship with former Indian opener Virender Sehwag. During their stint with Kings XI Punjab in 2017, Sehwag, acting as a mentor, as per Maxwell, took on additional responsibilities, including decision-making, which led to confusion and unrest among the team. Maxwell recalls the tensions that culminated in Sehwag publicly criticizing him as a “big disappointment.” The fallout marked the end of their communication, and Maxwell informed franchise owners of his intent to leave if Sehwag remained.

Maxwell also shares how his time with Royal Challengers Bangalore helped mend his relationship with Virat Kohli. Initially strained, their bond strengthened during Maxwell’s stint at RCB, showcasing the camaraderie that cricket often fosters.

In the foreword to the book, Virat Kohli reflects on Maxwell’s iconic performance against Afghanistan during the 2023 World Cup, where he scored an astounding 201 runs off 128 balls despite battling a leg injury. Kohli writes:

"When he had the night of his life in Mumbai against Afghanistan, I was thrilled for him on a personal level. I knew it would make life harder for my Indian team, with Australia believing they could win from anywhere, but I could keep those thoughts separate while watching from Bangalore.

"I missed parts of the innings after Australia went four down. The game was shifting quickly in Afghanistan's favor, and knowing their spinners, it wasn’t getting any easier. Checking in as he and Pat Cummins rebuilt, I half-jokingly said that with Maxi there, anything could happen.

"By the time he reached his century, I genuinely thought he might pull it off. I’ve seen what it’s like when Maxi gets hold of a team, and this felt like one of those nights. But imagining he would go on to score a double century was simply unbelievable.

"The entire cricket world was glued to those final stages, as he kept hitting sixes on one leg, without a helmet, going down repeatedly with cramps, and limping for singles—it was compelling drama and classic Maxi."

The Showman offers a comprehensive look at Maxwell’s career, from personal struggles and professional highs to his remarkable comeback. It celebrates a cricketer whose career, marked by brilliance and challenges, continues to inspire. For Maxwell, Test cricket remains the unfinished chapter of his story—one that drives him as he seeks to leave an indelible mark on the game.

Excerpt used from ‘The Showman’ by Glenn Maxwell, published by Simon and Schuster

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