Big hitting Aussie Glenn Maxwell has arrived in Birmingham – and he’s raring to go for the Bears in the Vitality Blast.
Maxwell landed at Birmingham Airport on Monday night (22 May) following his latest foray in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The 34-year-old lit-up the tournament with a strike rate of 183 – one of the highest in the competition – and some jaw-dropping shots on his way to amassing 400 runs.
He’s set to debut for the Bears at Leicestershire Foxes on Friday night (26 May) before making his Edgbaston bow in a mouth-watering Bank Holiday Monday Blast contest against Lancashire Lightning.
Tickets for the annual Family Fun Day – which will include live music, inflatables, children’s crafts and more – are available from only £17 for adults, while 5-15 year-olds are £5 and under 5s go free.
“I can’t wait to get started,” said Maxwell. “I love playing in the Blast. There are lots of limited overs competitions around the world but the Blast is right up there in terms of excitement, passion and competition.
“It’s been a busy schedule at the IPL (it was Maxwell’s 28th visit to India to play cricket) but I’m fit and feel in good form.
“I saw the lads had a great start to the tournament. I’m really looking forward to Friday and of course in front of the amazing Edgbaston crowd on Monday. It should be a special day.”
World Cup winner Maxwell is closing in on 9,000 career T20 runs.
His international T20 record reads 90 innings – with a high score of 145 not out from 65 balls – with an average of almost 30 and strike rate of 150.97.
Bears First Team Coach Mark Robinson said Maxwell’s passion to perform is as strong as ever – and that Bears fans are in for some games to remember.
He added: “I rang Maxi on Tuesday morning to see if he wanted to come in, but he was already at the ground and throwing balls with the Central Sparks players.
“He’s a fantastic cricket badger. Loves the game, loves playing and loves competing. He’s going to be a huge asset. He’ll win us games because he’s the full package. He does so much and he’s a real leader off the field. We’re lucky to have him.”
Fans can save £4 per ticket by purchasing their Vitality Blast tickets at the Bears in advance online at tickets.edgbaston.com. Under 5s go free to all matches at Edgbaston.
Over 13,500 tickets sold for T20 quarter-final
For a third year in a row, Bears have secured a home Vitality Blast quarter-final against Gloucestershire on Friday 6 September. And tickets are going fast!
Over 13,500 tickets have already been sold. Adults tickets are available for only £20, if purchased in advance, while U16s are £5.
