Maxwell Opens Again as Australia Eyes T20 Sweep in St Kitts
Australia’s tour of the West Indies has taken an exciting turn as Glenn Maxwell returns to the top of the order, while Sean Abbott is recalled for the third T20I in St Kitts. The Aussies are heading into this match with a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, and all signs suggest they’re aiming to wrap it up early with another strong performance today.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting — Maxwell’s promotion to open the batting isn’t just for show. This move is strategic. Remember his unforgettable 154* for the Melbourne Stars in 2022? Or that explosive 145* against Sri Lanka back in 2016? Both came when he opened, and despite usually batting at No. 4, his numbers suggest that opening the innings suits him best. He averages 44 with a strike rate of 176 when opening, significantly higher than his career T20 average. So, it’s clear the Aussie camp is looking to make the most of a proven formula on the smaller Warner Park ground.
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Australia has made just one change to their XI — Abbott comes in for Matt Kuhnemann, signaling a tactical shift toward seam bowling on a fresh pitch in Basseterre, where boundary sizes max out at just 69 meters. That’s likely to suit hard-hitting batters like Maxwell and Cameron Green, who was ruthless in the last game.
Speaking of the last game, it was a dominant showing by Australia. Josh Inglis and Cameron Green put on an absolute clinic in Kingston. After an early wobble — losing Maxwell and skipper Mitch Marsh — the pair added 131 runs off just 59 balls. Inglis, in particular, was unstoppable with 78* from 33 balls, while Green hammered 56 from 32. Together, they chased down 173 with 28 balls to spare, silencing a hopeful Jamaican crowd.
The West Indies, meanwhile, have made a couple of changes too. Andre Russell, who played his final T20I in Kingston, has made way for debutant Jediah Blades. Alzarri Joseph is being rested, and Romario Shepherd is back in.
Australia have never played a T20I at Warner Park, so today’s game marks new territory. But judging by recent CPL stats, the average T20 total here hovers around 163 — so expect more fireworks.
If today goes to plan, Australia could clinch a third straight T20 series win over the Windies — and with Maxwell up front and Abbott adding seam depth, they look well set to do exactly that.
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