Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has named Glenn Maxwell as the stand-out player for Australia at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Watson's confidence is buoyed by Maxwell's impressive performance during the Big Bash League this season, indicating he is entering his prime. "The stand-out player for me is Glenn Maxwell," Watson stated in his recent ICC column. "With what I have seen recently, especially in the Big Bash, I believe he has some of his best cricket in front of him across the next two or three years, and I would be very surprised if he does not dominate this Champions Trophy," he added.
Maxwell's remarkable abilities were on display during the ICC World Cup 2023, where he hit an explosive double-century against Afghanistan. Watson acknowledged this achievement, though he also pointed out, "He had incredible innings against Afghanistan...but he has struggled to be consistent at times. That’s the nature of his role in the team." Watson believes all aspects of Maxwell's life are aligning positively, which should translate to his performance on the field. "It now just feels like it has all fallen together for him, and that's with everything in his life, not just his cricket, so I think he will play a pivotal part," Watson explained.
Despite the absence of key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, Watson remains optimistic about Australia's chances. "I think Australia will be very hard to beat, even if their bowling squad is not quite as experienced as they might otherwise have been," he remarked. Australia is set to face England first, kicking off their Champions Trophy campaign on February 22 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Following the clash with England, they will take on South Africa and Afghanistan.
Maxwell's recent Big Bash performance has certainly caught Watson's eye; he scored 325 runs in nine innings at an impressive strike rate of 186.78. Watson lauded Maxwell's form, predicting it would be pivotal for Australia’s success. Given Maxwell's history with the national team, his performance is particularly anticipated. He played over 250 international matches across formats, and his experience is invaluable.
While the current Australian squad grapples with injuries among several key players, Watson emphasized Maxwell's ability to lead the team to glory. He stated, "Australia will be tough to defeat... Maxwell’s explosive capabilities can turn the tide for Australia." The 2025 Champions Trophy sees Australia as reigning World Cup champions, but their recent performance has not been reassuring, with only one win from the last five ODIs.
Watson's belief showcases the potential of Maxwell to influence matches significantly. He highlighted Maxwell's past success, noting he has accumulated 901 runs from 27 matches and holds an impressive average of 47.42 and strike rate of 160.32. His record reflects Maxwell's ability to thrive under pressure and deliver pivotal performances when it matters most.
With the knockout stage of the tournament looming, Maxwell’s role becomes even more significant. Watson stressed Maxwell’s ability to perform, especially against tough opponents like England. This match, along with the subsequent games against South Africa and Afghanistan, will serve as a litmus test for Maxwell and the Australian team's depth.
Watson's faith in Maxwell and the Australian squad carries weight, especially coming from someone who has claimed two ICC Men’s Champions Trophy titles himself. His executive insights reflect the expectations and pressures of international cricket, where every match is pivotal, leading to lofty aspirations for players like Maxwell.
The expectations for Glenn Maxwell to shine at the Champions Trophy are palpable, and Watson is among those who are excited to see whether his predictions come to fruition. With the cricketing world watching closely, it will be fascinating to see if Maxwell can rise to the occasion and deliver the performance Watson anticipates.