Australia v India: Glenn Maxwell set to play starring role with the ball against ‘spin-happy’ India at SCG

GLENN Maxwell returns to the scene of his greatest cricketing triumph with the added pressure of potentially being Australia’s key man with both bat and ball.

Australian cricketers Glenn Maxwell (L) and Brad Haddin celebrate the wicket of Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal during the 2015 Cricket World Cup quarter-final match between Australia and Pakistan in Adelaide on March 20, 2015. AFP PHOTO / INDRANIL MUKHERJEE -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE--

Glenn Maxwell returns to the scene of his greatest cricketing triumph with the added pressure of now potentially being the key man with both bat and ball in Australia’s play-off for a place in the World Cup final.

Australia has effectively put a line through Xavier Doherty’s name, despite the fact Thursday’s semi-final SCG pitch could throw the cat among the pigeons and suit India’s spin-happy game plan.

That means batting all-rounder Maxwell will not only be the side’s x-factor power hitter, but he’ll be called upon to step up as the frontline spinner as well.

Maxwell has improved his “shape” according to spin coach, John Davison.

Maxwell’s Australian-record 51-ball hundred against Sri Lanka at the SCG two weeks ago, the first century of his career, was the highlight of what’s been a spectacular tournament for the man they call the Big Show.

The 26-year-old’s peerless batting ability has always overshadowed his potential with the ball, but Maxwell has declared he’s no part-timer any more.

India has beaten Australia only once in an ODI at the SCG — and that was back in 2008, although a partisan subcontinent crowd and mystery conditions is making for a tricky match-up for the in-form hosts.

IPL guru Maxwell insists he holds no fear for India and is embracing the prospect of his country needing 10 overs of spin-bowling out of him to go with his theatrics with the bat.

“They haven’t won a game against us all summer, hopefully we can make the most of that,” said Maxwell.

“Hopefully that is pretty clear in their memories. We’ve been dominant all summer in the ODI format.

“I’ve taken a couple of wickets this tournament which has been nice and I feel like I’ve been doing the job that Michael Clarke has been asking of me whenever I’ve come on.

“(Spin coach) John Davison says my shape was looking really good (against Pakistan) and it’s starting to become a bit more of a frontline spinner’s action — not so much just a run-stopping option.”

Maxwell jokes his bowling has even become “semi-threatening”.

“Compared to (previously) just going and putting the ball on a tee,” he says.

Maxwell celebrates his century against Sri Lanka.

Maxwell’s focus on the art of off-spin started on last year’s tour of the UAE when he realised his best chance of cementing a more permanent place in the Test team was to develop into a genuine all-rounder.

His World Cup bowling average has been 32, down from his career mark of 37.

That’s comfortably better than left-arm spinner Doherty, who averages over 40 at ODI level and was tonked for 60 without a wicket during his one and only Cup game against Sri Lanka at the SCG.

Maxwell was smashed over the fence twice by Pakistan captain Misbah ul-Haq during the quarterfinal, but showed great character to come back on and take his wicket a few overs later.

It’s no accident that selectors are now looking at Maxwell as their No. 1 spinner.

“As soon as I came back to Australia (from the UAE) I worked really hard on it and I felt like I was starting to get signs of what I wanted to do with my off-spin and what other coaches had been looking for me to do as well,” said Maxwell.

“To get that drop and a bit more energy off the ball.

“Coming from a fast bowler’s background growing up, I have a long bowling stride for an off-spinner and I’ve been trying to shorten that while still having that same energy through the crease.

Australia celebrates after Maxwell takes a wicket against Scotland.

“It’s been a long process, I’ve had to change my action about six or seven times … but hopefully there’s only an upward curve now.”

When it comes to Maxwell’s batting, he’s going through the stratosphere.

He averages 75 this World Cup and his strike-rate is superior to any other player in the tournament.

Maxwell even had a ridiculous but effective way of swatting away Pakistan lightning bolt Wahab Riaz’s bouncers, but he denies he’s unstoppable.

“There’s always going to be bowling that can tie you down,” he said.

“What we’ve got to do as batters is just keep coming up with new ways to combat that.”