Mega money: Aussie golfers eye biggest purse in history
Australia's women's golf stars are saluting the "huge" opportunities as they eye not only major championship glory but the equal-biggest purse in the sport's history.
Former champion Hannah Green and dual major winner Minjee Lee will spearhead a nine-strong Australian challenge vying for a monster $US12 million ($A18.5 million) pot at this week's Women's PGA Championship in Texas.
Like at the US Open earlier this month, Sunday's winner is set to receive a whopping $US2.4 million ($A3.7 million) after officials on Wednesday morning revealed 15 per cent increase in this year's total prize pool.
"I just saw that email about 20 minutes ago actually, that it had increased another couple of million. Yeah, it's huge," Karis Davidson said on a Zoom call from the US.
"Women's sports and golf is definitely growing and trending in the right direction.
"I don't know if it'll ever be on par with the men's, but it's definitely improving and the LPGA is doing the best they can to improve our tour."
Playing the event for the first time since 2023, Davidson is thrilled to be back on the big stage after taking six months out of golf last year while feeling disillusioned.
The revitalised 26-year-old enters the season's third major championship fresh off a career-best tied for seventh at last week's LPGA Meijer Classic, having held a share of the halfway lead in Michigan.
"Just coming back, I have a new perspective with the game," Davidson said.
"I wouldn't say it's just because I'm playing well. I have had these good results due to enjoyment."
The Queenslander is certainly enjoying the perks back on tour, while also bracing for a true test at the Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco course."You can really feel it when you turn up to the course," Davidson said.
"It's just the set-up is different and you can really feel like you're at a major. Like, in our locker room this week we have menus for food and trust me talking about food.
"But the course is set up longer and tougher and everyone's out there really grinding.
"It's my privilege to be able to compete in a major again."
Steph Kyriacou, Gabriela Ruffels, Grace Kim, Cassie Porter, Hira Naveed and Robyn Choi round out the Australian contingent in Texas.
While Davidson was happily dining with Airbnb housemates Green and Kyriacou on Tuesday night, world No.1 Nelly Korda was conspicuously absent from the traditional champions dinner because of a sore neck.
The American had therapeutic tape on the back of her neck when she spoke to the media on Tuesday.
Korda skipped two tournaments during the LPGA Tour's Asia swing because of a minor neck injury, but said she would be ready for Thursday's first round.
"I hit a shot out of the rough and my neck went into a full spasm," Korda said, adding that she felt better but also acknowledged that it was impacting her swing and preparation.
"Obviously with the injury that I had last year, every single time something kind of flares up in my neck now, I think I feel it a little bit more than what I used to.
"But I have a great (physical therapist) who takes care of me. Trying to work through it, but I'll be ready by Thursday."
The 15-time tour winner was the runner-up at the US Women's Open three weeks ago but hasn't won in nine starts this season.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
The Knights' six rising talents in State of Origin arena
There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin."
West Australian
3 hours ago
- West Australian
Commonwealth Bank signs historic $60 million deal backing Football Australia
Commonwealth Bank has signed a historic six-year partnership with Football Australia, becoming the largest backer of the country's most played team sport in a deal worth more than $10 million a year. The agreement, which will run through 2031, builds on CommBank's existing support of the Matildas and extends naming rights to nearly every national team — including the Socceroos, Pararoos, Olyroos and all youth championships — in what amounts to the deepest corporate partnership in Australian football history. CommBank chief executive Matt Comyn said the deal was a long-term commitment to a sport with growing reach and cultural resonance. 'This is about a long-term partnership with the most active team sport Australia with more than 2 million (people) playing,' he said. Mr Comyn said the investment recognised the changing face of Australia. 'Long term migration is very important both economically and socially. It's no accident we've invested in the CommBank Stadium that is out in Western Sydney,' he said. 'We see tremendous growth in the game of football, and we think that's going to continue for many decades.' The deal includes naming rights across men's, women's, youth and para teams, as well as financial wellbeing programs and presenting sponsorship of national fan days. It also brings CommBank's total partnership with Football Australia to a decade in length — a substantive show of long-term brand alignment in an increasingly fragmented media and sports market. While the bank declined to disclose financial terms, the investment is reported to be between $10 million and $15 million annually. The expanded sponsorship comes at a time when football has surged in popularity, with Matildas game attendance more than doubling since 2021 and girls' participation up 27 per cent. Football Australia interim chief executive Heather Garriock said the extended partnership would be 'transformational' for the code. 'This is so much more than a sponsorship,' Ms Garriock said. 'It's a values-aligned partnership aimed at delivering real community impact across every level of the game.' CommBank's group executive for marketing, Monique Macleod, said the bank was focused on building a deep connection between its brand and the sport. 'We like to make sure that we can have a really deep partnership. Grassroots to elite is super important to us,' Ms Macleod said. 'What we love about football is exactly that — its audience, the participation rate, how that's growing.' She said sport was playing a bigger role in CommBank's overall marketing strategy. Ms Macleod said the bank saw strong value in helping grow the sport through participation, pathways and visibility. 'Sport has become an even more important part of the marketing mix,' Ms Macleod said. 'Being able to reach audiences over a passion point is really critical.' She said that in a fragmented media market, the ability to leverage the game's stars was an added opportunity. 'One of the things we saw during the FIFA World Cup with the Matildas is that it goes well beyond the game,' Ms Macleod said. 'It's about the individuals. It's about the storytelling. It's about what they experience through their journey.' The deal also follows the conclusion of CommBank's 37-year sponsorship of Cricket Australia, which ends this month. Westpac is widely expected to take over the role. 'We had a very long relationship with Cricket Australia, and we're incredibly proud of what we've done,' Ms Macleod said. 'But this is such a natural fit and extension for us. We're just really thrilled with how this has all played out.' She said CommBank measured its return on investment not only through brand performance but through social impact. 'The return comes in many different ways, but really it is about audience, reach and engagement,' Ms Macleod said. 'Since 2021 the number of girls participating in football has grown by 27 per cent — so that for us is success.'
7NEWS
4 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Glenn Maxwell belts 13 sixes for Washington Freedom in landmark Major League Cricket century
Glenn Maxwell may have called time on his one-day international career but he's shown his T20 brilliance remains undimmed as he took the 'Big Show' Stateside with a thrilling, landmark century in Major League Cricket. 'Maxi', who announced his decision to depart the international 50-over scene at the start of the month, demonstrated why he must still be in contention for T20 World Cup duty next year as he became the first Australian to crash a ton in the third season of the US competition. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Maxwell belts 13 sixes in staggering MLC knock. Putting on his inimitable best for champions Washington Freedom, captain Maxwell, who had a wretched time in the Indian Premier League before a broken finger ruled him out of the business end of Punjab Kings' season, smashed 106no off just 49 balls as they crushed Los Angeles Knight Riders by 113 runs. Coming in at No.6 with the Freedom in some bother at 4-68 in the eighth over on Tuesday, a typically thunderous Maxwell affair, featuring 13 sixes and a couple of fours, helped blitz Freedom to 5-208 before the Washington bowlers then skittled LA for 95. It was the 36-year-old's eighth T20 ton in all. Maxwell was delighted to get back among the runs again after scoring just 48 in his six IPL innings for the Kings - and reckoned he owed a big score to his great friend and coach at both franchises, Ricky Ponting. 'It felt like just a bit of time out in the middle was all I needed to feel that confidence coming back,' said Maxwell. 'I've probably let him (Ponting) down in a few of the tournaments that we've played together. 'It's nice that last year we were able to have success in the Freedom together, and it was a shame I couldn't be around for a lot of the back end of the IPL where I broke my finger. 'I think in this tournament, to be captain and play under him, I feel like we've got a great opportunity to hopefully add to last year's trophy.' At the start of June, Maxwell called it a day after 149 ODIs, a career that featured surely the greatest innings of all-time in the format, his amazing unbeaten double ton that lifted Australia to a critical victory over Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup. There were echoes of that magic knock in the far less pressurised situation of an MLC game at the Oakland Coliseum as he dealt almost exclusively in sixes, lambasting the seventh T20 century in the tournament's short history while helping them plunder 124 in the final 10 overs. His fellow Aussie teammate Mitchell Owen had also kicked off the fun with 32 off 11 balls as opener before he later delivered with the ball too, taking 3-18 to help dismantle the LA response.
