Former Australian captain Aaron Finch described Glenn Maxwell’s insane full body cramp as if he was a “grounded whiting” amid the all-rounder’s heroic knock of 201 not out against Afghanistan.
Maxwell’s absurd innings was littered with standout moments, but perhaps none of them typified his unbreakable spirit quite like when his body shut down on him in the 41st over.
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On the second ball of the over, Maxwell flicked a comfortable shot down to mid-off but as he made his way down the wicket, he was almost waddling such was his inability to run due to cramp.
After just making it inside the crease, Maxwell went straight down to the ground and writhed in agony as the cramps set in.
Commentator Natalie Germanos noted Pat Cummins, who was at the other end, seemed almost hesitant to take the run given he could see how much strife Maxwell was in.
“He wants the run, Pat Cummins was suggesting maybe we shouldn’t,” Germanos said.
“So much is happening for Maxwell. He’s cramped up now. He’s in some serious pain at the moment.
“This innings has been unbelievable in so many ways. The way he’s played for one, the dropped chances, the LBWs going his way and now he’s struggling really badly with cramp.”
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Finch was left in shock at the state of Maxwell out on the field and gave due credit to the Australian physio who no doubt played a pivotal role in helping Maxwell survive.
“Nick Jones, the Australian physio, is earning his keep tonight,” Finch said.
“It’s almost a full body cramp he’s gone into. It’s like someone put a shock of lightning through him, like a grounded whiting. Unbelievable.”
As Maxwell continued to receive attention from Jones, Adam Zampa began to make his way down the stairs in case he was needed.
Zampa waited patiently behind the boundary rope, but soon turned back and removed his gloves and helmet as a determined Maxwell carried on.
Almost four minutes elapsed in the time Maxwell went down and the time Cummins faced the next ball of the over, but it was worth the wait as the pair steered Australia home to a famous three-wicket win.
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