The ECB Southern Electric Premier League may sound like a far cry from the IPL and Australia's Big Bash T20 tournament. But, due to county cricket registration issues, Australian Glenn Maxwell will be plying his trade in the amateur cricket league this summer.
And Maxwell, 24, is a dab-hand with a bat to say the very least.
In 2011, whilst playing for Victoria Bushrangers in the Big Bash he hit 50 off just 19 balls, the quickest half-century on record in domestic Australian cricket. Bowlers from Havant CC, Totton & Eling CC and Hampshire Academy XI will be quaking in their boots as he takes guard against them this season.
Maxwell made two appearances for the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL earlier this year before heading to England, hoping to line up for Hampshire this summer. “His plan was to come to the UK to have a look at Hampshire, but there were registration complications” South Wilts skipper James Hayward told me.
Hants loss is most certainly South Wilts gain and skipper Hayward realises his side's fortunate position. "It’s astounded the players to be honest. It’s lifted everyone around the club, on and off the pitch. People who used to play for the club and those involved off the pitch are saying they’re going to come out and support the club this season because of it, which is exactly what we need.”
Maxwell, who bowls decent off-spin as well as being an accomplished fielder, is due to make his debut for South Wilts on Saturday 5th May against Hampshire Academy XI at the Ageas Bowl Nursery Ground and after an amazing sequence of events that led to his arrival, South Wilts will be hoping he can help them to their first ECB Southern Electric Premier League title since 2004.
Hampshire are keeping their eyes on the talented Australian batsman though, in fact he is their twelfth man for their LV Division Two game at Northants this week. Maxwell has a British passport as his father was born in the UK, but couldn’t play for Hants without scuppering a potential call-up to the Australian national side.
For now, “Maxi” is raring to go for South Wilts and his skipper for this summer can’t wait to see him in action. “He had a knock in the week and he has been training with the Hampshire lads too. They have told me he’s doing really well, although he hasn’t been able to net with us yet.”
South Wilts’ season starts Saturday 5th May at the Ageas Bowl against Hampshire’s Academy XI.
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