Enigmatic all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has added a stunning catch to his already incredible highlights reel, rocking New Zealand with the early dismissal of dangerous opening batsman Martin Guptill.
Fielding at gully, Maxwell dived full length to his left to take a one-handed screamer to remove Guptill for six in the fifth over of the opening one-day international of a three match series, with the wicket taken off the bowling of Mitchell Starc.
It was a brilliant moment in a match Australia won by two wickets.
“What a catch! What a standard. Maxwell, who else, and Australia strike early,” said Ian Smith in commentary for Fox Sports.
LIVE UPDATES: US Open 2022 day eight highlights
READ MORE: US Open rocked by major upset as Nadal loses
READ MORE: Chilling Roosters reality follows bold interview
Kerry O’Keefe said the catch was the culmination of a plan from Starc.
“Brilliantly bowled this, again he just kept bowling across Martin Guptill,” he said.
“What a weapon (Maxwell) is in the gully. (Guptill) pushed hard at it – it was always leaving Glenn Maxwell, the left hand went out and it held.
“What a talent the Big Show is. His teammates enjoyed that.”
Earlier, Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bowl.
The Aussies are coming off a series win over Zimbabwe in Townsville.
Marnus Labuschagne has been recalled to the XI at the expense of spinner Ashton Agar to bolster Australia’s batting.
Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been recalled to New Zealand’s line-up in a combination with Matt Henry and Trent Boult.
The teams will play three day-night matches in Cairns.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Australian cricket’s highest earners – Pat Cummins tops contract list for third straight year
