'A real match-winner': Flintoff tips Maxwell as World Cup key
Bristol: England great Andrew Flintoff has declared Glenn Maxwell is capable of the impossible and can be Australia's World Cup match-winner.
Maxwell shapes as an integral member of the reigning champions' plans, whether that be with controlled or power hitting in the middle order with the bat or through handy overs of off-spin or his often brilliant fielding.
The Victorian had a stunning strikerate of 182 through the 2015 World Cup and has since improved as a batsman, particularly now because he says he has a clearer mindset of what is expected from him.
The hard-hitting Flintoff also had the ability to wow spectators - and even rivals - through his on-field deeds, and told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald he looks forward to watching how Maxwell progresses in the 12th edition of the showpiece 50-over event.
"He played up at Lancashire [before the World Cup] to get used to English conditions. I think he can be a real match-winner because he does things that others can’t do," he said.
"He plays shots I’ve never seen before which, if he gets out, I imagine can really infuriate. However, this lad can win a match on his own and Australia will need him to win a few."
Maxwell, averaging 33.33 in 100 one-day internationals, is a 360-degree batsman, meaning he can find the boundary in any part of the ground, whether that be through traditional strokes or switch hitting. He made 36 off 36 balls against Sri Lanka on Monday to fine-tune his preparations.
His role won't necessarily be about power hitting, for Australia's blueprint relies on wickets being preserved through the middle overs before finishing in a rush in the third and final power play.
That's where all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who enjoys clearing the boundary, will have also have an important role. Flintoff also relished hitting boundaries, particularly on the English grounds that typically are smaller than their Australian counterparts.
"Marcus is an all-rounder who can be explosive with the bat, particularly coming in down the order. Here he can be invaluable to the Australian team," Flintoff said.
Stoinis has been criticised for allowing too many dot balls when batting, something former selector Mark Waugh regularly pointed out last summer. However, Stoinis' strikerate of 93 runs per 100 balls, complete with an average of 38.52 in 33 one-day internationals, belies that.
"I’m sure it’s something he is aware of and has been working on. Hitting boundaries is well and good but it’s just as important to score off every ball," Flintoff said.
Stoinis' average of 38 (one century) makes him such a damaging proposition that Australian great Ricky Ponting has rated him the team's "danger man" and believes he should be batting at No.3.
Stoinis also enjoys the responsibility of bowling under immense pressure in the final overs, with Australia hoping his temperament and variation will hold up through the nine pool games, beginning against Afghanistan in Bristol on Saturday.
"I also like him bowling at the death. That’s two [including his batting] of the most important stages of game so you could say that if he performs - he has the ability to give Australia a real chance," Flintoff said.