Behind Glenn Maxwell's Triumph: Australia's Physio Nick Jones, who got the 'dead man' running
physiotherapist, Nick Jones, played a crucial role in Glenn Maxwell's remarkable World Cup knock against Afghanistan on Tuesday night. Despite suffering from multiple cramps, Maxwell pushed through and delivered an unbeaten 201 runs, propelling Australia into the semifinals.
Jones, who has been working with the Australian team for the past two years, knew that the key to Maxwell's success was to minimize his running and focus on his shots.
Leaving the field would have only worsened Maxwell's condition, as cramps tend to occur more frequently with increased physical activity.
«I was just trying to keep him calm, manage his heart rate, and assure him that he could continue if he stayed upright,» said Jones.
During the match, Maxwell experienced severe cramps in his right calf, left hamstring, and other areas. He even considered retiring from the game.
However, Jones advised him to get up and stay on his feet, explaining that sitting down and cooling off would only lead to complete body cramps and make it impossible for him to function.
«That's not unusual – we see this a lot with lots of different players – but the more running you do, you're bringing (cramps) on more regularly and more quickly. I was going out pretty regularly and I was just trying to keep him calm, trying to down-regulate everything, manage his heart rate and be as assuring as possible,» he said.
Jones' told Maxwell, «If we can keep you as upright as possible, you're going to be able to keep going from now'.»
«Then he went down like he was shot, lying down like a dead man on the floor,» said Jones.
Maxwell took Jones' advice and pulled off an incredible performance, lifting Australia from a precarious position of 91 for seven.
