Glenn Maxwell Eyes New Role Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Australian star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is already known across the world as one of the most destructive hitters and smartest utility players in T20 cricket. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set to take place in India and Sri Lanka, Maxwell is now preparing to add a fresh dimension to his game: bowling with the brand-new ball inside the powerplay.
Traditionally, Maxwell operates as a middle-overs off-spinner who comes on to choke run-scoring and break partnerships. However, he believes that conditions in the subcontinent could make spin a genuine wicket-taking option right from the start of the innings.
“I think in the subcontinent a spinner will get more assistance from the pitch early on,” Maxwell told cricket.com.au, signalling his desire to bowl in the first six overs if given the opportunity. “The new ball with its hard seam can grip well on those dry surfaces. So we might consider it going forward. I love getting wickets… my job in the powerplay is to do my best.”
With his batting role also set for adjustment in Australia’s evolving T20I setup, Maxwell is keen to become even more flexible and contribute in whatever way the team requires.
Interestingly, this wouldn’t be entirely new territory for him. Maxwell famously dismissed Rohit Sharma during the 2023 ODI World Cup final — a crucial scalp that helped swing momentum towards Australia. More recently, in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, he has already been tried with the new ball and made an immediate impact: bowling two overs in the powerplay and removing skipper Aiden Markram in the second match.
With over a decade of international experience behind him, Maxwell’s willingness to reinvent himself adds an exciting subplot to Australia’s build-up for the 2026 T20 World Cup. If his experiment succeeds, we could well see him sharing the new ball in Indian and Sri Lankan conditions — giving Australia an unconventional but potentially lethal new-ball spin option.
Maxwell is also embracing a floating role with the bat, having long accepted that he may be required to slot in anywhere between No. 3 and No. 7 depending on Australia’s match situation.
“I’m trying to play whatever role is needed for me in this side and just be as flexible as possible,” said Maxwell — who has now featured in 123 T20 internationals.
His T20I record is already impressive — 2,771 runs at a blistering strike rate, including a career-best 145* — and he has also chipped in with the ball, picking up 49 wickets so far. With the current series between Australia and South Africa locked at 1–1 and the decider set for August 16, he has the opportunity to further test himself as a potential new-ball option.
Looking ahead, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka — conditions where spin in the powerplay could be a game-changing tactic. If Maxwell stays fit, he is almost certain to be a part of Australia’s squad as they bid to reclaim the trophy they last lifted back in 2021.
