- Wednesday, February 26, 2025
While Maxwell called the idea of holding the lightshow ‘horrible’ and ‘dumbest’, Warner said he absolutely loved it.
By: Shubham Ghosh
AUSTRALIA batter Glenn Maxwell, who slammed the fastest century of the 50-over World Cup on Wednesday (25) by belting one in just 40 balls against the Netherlands in Delhi, came with another explosive outpouring, this time off the ground at Arun Jaitley Stadium, as he slammed the authorities over a mid-game light show at the venue. However, his teammate David Warner had a completely different take on the matter.
Maxwell, whose 44-ball 106 powered Australia to a massive 399 for 8 in 50 overs, was not amused when the two-minute spectacle, which is being seen across the grounds hosting matches of World Cup 2023, turned the stadium into a virtual nightclub with lights flashing and beats playing ahead of the Dutch’s herculean chase.
Maxwell said the light show gave him headaches and his eyes took moments to get adjusted to surroundings and recalled a similar experience at the Perth Stadium during a match at the Big Bash League, Australia’s T20 competition.
He called the idea of the lightshow “horrible” and “dumbest for cricketers”.
“I had something like that light show happen at Perth Stadium during a Big Bash game,” the 35-year-old said after shattering the record of the fastest hundred in the World Cup which was set by South Africa’s Aiden Markram against Sri Lanka at the same venue just 18 days ago.
“I just felt like it gave me shocking headaches and it takes me a while for my eyes to re-adjust and I just think it’s the dumbest idea for cricketers.
“So I just try and cover up as much as I possibly can and ignore it but it’s a horrible, horrible idea. Great for the fans, horrible for the players,” he added.
However, Warner, who also hit a century in the same match, had a contrasting take. The left-hand batter, who made 104 off 93 in what was his second consecutive ton in the tournament after 163 against Pakistan in Bengaluru, reposted a tweet that quoted Maxwell’s remarks on the lightshow and disagreed.
“I absolutely loved the light show, what an atmosphere. It’s all about the fans. Without you all we won’t be able to do what we love,” he said.
I absolutely loved the light show, what an atmosphere. It’s all about the fans. Without you all we won’t be able to do what we love. ??? https://t.co/ywKVn5d5gc
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) October 25, 2023
The two batters had only a one-run partnership during the match despite scoring hundreds.
Both Maxwell and Warner are closely familiar with the Indian playing conditions, thanks to their regular participation in the Indian Premier League.
The Netherlands were never in the hunt for the massive target and were bundled out for only 90 in 21 overs with spinner Adam Zampa claiming four wickets for only eight runs in three overs.
The win saw the five-time champions climbing to the fourth position with three consecutive wins after the disastrous start they had in the tournament by losing their first two matches.
India were leading the table with 10 points, followed by South Africa and New Zealand at eight
