BBL 2023/4: Glenn Maxwell saved the World Cup, but can he save a lacklustre summer of cricket?

Having saved Australia’s World Cup campaign, and potentially the future of the 50-over format, Glenn Maxwell has a whole new task on his hands: breathe life into the summer of cricket.

Glenn Maxwell performed miracles at the World Cup that will define his career.

But never has Australia needed him to work his magic more than this summer.

Hearts dropped when administrators decreed the low-rating Pakistan and West Indies would be propping up this Test match season, but even without a baggy green on his head, Maxwell is the man who can save it all.

The Big Bash will completely overshadow the Test summer (save for David Warner’s farewell Test in Sydney) – if Maxwell can carry on his jaw-dropping form from India for the next few weeks.

Maxwell, along with Chris Lynn, has always been the Big Bash’s brightest star since the competition first launched, and this summer the BBL is going back to the future.

Administrators have finally heeded the urging of players, fans and broadcasters and shortened the number of matches to 10 per team.

Glenn Maxwell is the biggest of drawcards for the Big Bash this summer. Picture: Getty

The BBL will get a 10-day headstart on the Tests and be wrapped up neatly before the end of school holidays in a return to the tasty package that made the competition the ultimate summer entertainment.

As per usual, the BBL has worn some punches in the lead-up to the first game, with the No.1 and No.2 international draft picks Harry Brook and Rashid Khan pulling out of the tournament. But Maxwell’s virtuoso performance at the World Cup against Afghanistan has taken him into a stratosphere where he overshadows everyone if he gets into stride.

It will be must-watch television every four nights when Melbourne Stars play to see what the superhuman can do.

There was probably a time when Cricket Australia was scared of the Big Bash putting the Test summer in the shade – but this year they will be praying it happens.

Afghanistan's fan favourite Rashid Khan will miss this year’s Big Bash with injury. Picture: AFP

Maxwell is the caped crusader who can deliver BBL TV ratings back to the golden years and convert even more kids to play the sport with his same free spirit.

The cramp-defying double hundred he scored against Afghanistan happened at 3am when the country was asleep, yet that Saturday cricket fields across Australia were filled with boys and girls trying to mimic hitting sixes without moving their legs.

If Maxwell returns from India fatigued and can’t quite be the magic man, then the summer could be in trouble.

There will be more than a few dozy days in the Tests – or perhaps more accurately a few blank days from matches finishing early – but they won’t feel as long if there’s the Big Show to look forward to in the evenings.

Unfortunately the whims of the schedule means the Test players will barely feature in this year’s Big Bash.