Glenn Maxwell celebrating his century in Ranchi Test
©REUTERS
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Glenn Maxwell wants to make every opportunity count
Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is determined to keep performing on a continuous basis following his maiden century against India in the third Test in Ranchi.
The 28-year-old last played a Test for Australia prior to the Ranchi game was in November 2014 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and since then was labelled a limited overs material and was widely criticised for having a lack of temperament .
However, Maxwell showed great maturity in the Ranchi game where he played with caution initially and later counterattacked the Indian bowlers laying a solid foundation for Australia with his 191-run stand with Steven Smith.
"To get back in the side in the first place was something that I really held close to my heart," said Maxwell.
"I was so happy to be able to walk back on the field with the Australian Test team with the Baggy Green cap on and I was so filled with joy when I got told I had the opportunity to do that again.
"Suppose I just didn't really want to waste the opportunity. I didn't want to make it my last Test, that's for sure," he added. "Just wanted to make it count ... every opportunity I get from now on."
Maxwell played with more freedom on day two as he saw Smith remaining solid at the other end. On reaching the three-figure mark, Maxwell edged a Ravindra Jadeja delivery behind the stumps which did not go well with the all-rounder as he felt Australia had a golden chance to bat India out of the game.
"Obviously, yesterday I came in at a time when we were in a bit of a tricky situation, 4 for 140" he said.
"Luckily I had Smith at the other end. The balls were reverse swinging and I just tried to play as straight as I could and keep my pads out of the way.
"The plan was just keep doing that for as long as possible and try to keep the Indian team out on their feet for as long as possible. That was obviously the plan when we came out today.
"Unfortunate that I got out as we could have got 250 run partnership and taken the game long away from India."
At stumps, India were placed 120 for one, trailing Australia by another 331 runs.
© Cricket World 2017
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