Maxwell a big hit for Australia (From Daily Echo)

Glenn Maxwell a big hit in Australia debut

10:40am Wednesday 29th August 2012 in Sport

Hampshire all-rounder Glenn Maxwell impressed on his ODI debut for Australia against Pakistan in Sharjah.

The big-hitting Maxwell struck a run-a-ball 38 to help his country win by four wickets in the first of the three-match series.

Mitchell Starc claimed five wickets as Pakistan – for whom ex-Hampshire man Shahid Afridi was out first ball – were restricted to 198.

Then captain Michael Clarke and George Bailey hit half-centuries for Australia.

The visitors were reduced to 57 for three when Mike Hussey was trapped lbw by Saeed Ajmal for five and then his brother David fell for three, caught by Misbah off Ajmal, to leave Australia 67 for four.

Clarke put together a patient partnership of 54 with Bailey for the fifth wicket but Clarke fell for 66 when trapped lbw by Hafeez, leaving the away side on 121 for five.

Bailey then combined with Maxwell to put on 63 for the sixth wicket, with Australia 15 runs short of victory when they were parted.

But Bailey saw his side home with an unbeaten 57 as Australia reached 199 for six with 10 balls remaining.