It was something insane that everyone witnessed on Tuesday in the game between Australia and Afghanistan. Two teams had their moments, but in the end, it was Glenn Maxwell who came out victorious. The whole cricket world was stunned to watch probably the all-time ODI innings in history.
From 91/7, Maxwell carried Australia single-handedly to the semi-finals, with some insane hitting on one leg. The superstar ended up registering the highest individual score for Australia in ODIs and becoming the only double centurion for his country.
Maxwell ended up with an unbeaten 201 off 128 balls, including 10 sixes and 21 fours. Interestingly, he was in pain throughout his innings and was suffering from cramps and hamstring pain. But still, he kept on believing and powered his team to a heck of a chase. He hit some incredible shots without moving his feet and was virtually playing on one leg.
He was in pain, but despite that, he didn’t opt for a runner. But why? Well, as many of you would know, as per the rule of the runner, when a batter is not able to run between the wickets, he can opt for a runner, who will run in his place.
However, the ICC has scrapped that rule, which is no longer in use. This decision was made in response to recommendations aimed at clarifying field impediments in the game. There is no “runner” rule for an injured batter in international cricket now.
Hence, the batter can opt to leave the field if he feels the injury is serious, but if Maxwell had done it, Australia would not have won the game. That is the reason that he kept playing despite, suffering from severe pain, and took his team over the line. All in all, it was an innings to remember for ages.
