‘Best out of each other’: Maxwell busts myth of Langer rift
The polar opposite personalities birthed numerous rumours of a rift but Glenn Maxwell and coach Justin Langer have learned to adapt to their contrasting styles.
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Glenn Maxwell and coach Justin Langer have learned to adapt to their contrasting styles with their relationship blossoming on the recent white-ball tours of India and the UAE.
Maxwell and Langer fly from Brisbane to Gallipoli tonight for another World Cup camp and are closer than they’ve ever been as Australia hunts its sixth trophy.
But while Maxwell boasts the second-best ODI strike-rate on the planet as an aggressive batsman who uses his innovation to manipulate fields, Langer chalked up nearly 7700 runs as a Test opener.
“If people had of asked which coach do you get along well with, probably the first (one) people would expect me to say is ‘Boof’ (Darren Lehmann),” Maxwell said.
“Because we’re similar players and we probably go about the game (in a similar way).
“But the way myself and JL (Langer) have jelled over the last few months … (we’ve) moulded to the way that each other goes about it.”
English superstar Jimmy Anderson, who played County Cricket with Maxwell last month, questioned whether their differences helped explain why Maxwell had not added to his seven Test appearances since Langer took over last year.
But figures close to the Australian camp scoffed at that theory confident there was no personality clash, as Anderson suggested.
Maxwell said he and Langer were now appreciating each other’s skillsets.
“We get along really well,” said Maxwell, who is a Kayo ambassador.
“(Langer’s) obviously different in the way he used to prepare and the way he used to see the game as an opening batter.
“(Whereas) for me being a middle-order player who plays a lot of his innings (at the) death-end of ODIs, there’s been an adapting period for both of us.
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“But the understanding from both of us has been really good and we get along really well and it’s been a lot of fun over the last couple of months working with him.
“I feel like we’re getting the best out of each other.”
Lehmann gave Maxwell a licence to thrill, because he appreciated the work that went into his 360-degree strokes such as the reverse sweep, and how it could unsettle bowling plans.
But Maxwell now has a clear understanding of his World Cup role, which could mean batting anywhere from No.3 to No.6 as Langer looks to cash in on hot starts by the top order.
“I generally work with JL and … it’ll get to a point (in the innings) where he’ll say, ‘Go put (your pads) on’,” Maxwell said.
“He’ll send a message out to Aaron (Finch), ask him what he thinks, and that’s how we get to that decision.”
MAXWELL: ARCHER A MUST FOR ENGLAND
Glenn Maxwell says Jofra Archer is a “quality package” but isn’t certain the pace machine will be parachuted into England’s World Cup squad.
Archer, 24, sizzled for England, taking 1/6 (four overs) against Pakistan before rain tumbled down in London.
The match-winner – who could be the missing link as tournament favourite England hunts its first trophy – is auditioning for a late call-up for his adopted country.
Archer, who was born in Barbados but now lives in Sussex, is also a jet in the field and a powerful batsman.
He only qualified for England selection on March 17 and picking him would likely mean heartbreak for one of the country’s best bowlers.
The cult hero has dominated the past two Big Bash League seasons for Hobart Hurricanes and averaged 145.6km bowling against Pakistan.
While Australia has lost new-ball weapon Jhye Richardson (shoulder), the World Cup hosts adding Archer would give their attack a lethal edge.
“I did see a few deliveries he bowled (against Pakistan), I saw he did have three slips as well,” Maxwell said yesterday.
“He’s a star. We’ve seen him in the Big Bash, he’s a quality performer.
“I’m not sure if he’s going to be at the World Cup but he’s certainly a quality package.”
Archer has career figures of 2/10 (12 balls) against Maxwell, stemming from their BBL battles.
“I haven’t faced him all that much but he’s quite sharp and what he does bring to the table is just such an effortless pace,” Maxwell said.
“He’s a hell of an athlete and he can hit them at the back end as well. He’s a quality package.”
Archer started with a maiden and a wicket maiden against Pakistan, repeatedly beating the edge of Iman-ul-Haq and then finding the edge of Fakhar Zaman’s bat.