Mad Maxi gatecrashes Latham press pack

Australia allrounder Glenn Maxwell took a cheeky detour on his way to training at Hamilton’s Seddon Park on Saturday, gatecrashing New Zealand’s press conference on the eve of the Chappell-Hadlee series decider.

Maxwell couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put Tom Latham under the pump, joining the press contingent to fire some hard-hitting questions at the Black Caps opener.

And he was quick to remind Latham that the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is currently in Australia’s possession, after the Aussies’ 3-nil series win at home last November.

“After a disappointing showing in the Australian series, how important is it for you guys to win the last game of the series?” Maxwell asked.

Latham took the unexpected turn of events in his stride and was only too happy to respond to the Australian allrounder: “Obviously it’s very important Maxi, we would really like to have that Chappell-Hadlee back so a good performance tomorrow and hopefully we can keep it in New Zealand.”

Maxwell continued his grilling, making sure Latham was aware of the situation Australia faced heading into a must-win ODI: “The Aussies are known for scrapping and their backs are against the wall at the moment, how hard to do you reckon they're going to come out tomorrow?”

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Latham replied: “Australia are obviously a very high class side, they're number one in the world at the moment. I think we always know when we play them they’ll be very challenging and hostile.

“That’s the typically Aussie way they play, so hopefully we can negate that and put a good performance on the board.”

Unable to rattle the Black Caps opener, Maxwell changed tact, complimenting the make-shift wicketkeeper’s skills.

“You’ve been compared to Adam Gilchrist with your wicketkeeping and left-hand opening batsman skills, how does that sit with you right now,” Maxwell asked.

Latham refused to rise to the bait and played down the comparison, but was happy to take the compliment: “That’s the first time I’ve heard it but I’ll take that. I’m probably not as attacking as Adam Gilchrist but he’s someone I idolised growing up, so I'll take that.”

Maxwell, obviously satisfied with his impromptu question-and-answer session, wrapped matters up with a quick “no further questions”, before continuing on his merry way to the nets.

Earlier this week, Maxwell and Latham had some fun when they helped recreate the infamous underarm delivery, on the 36th anniversary of the dramatic incident.

Maxwell took on the role of former captain Greg Chappell, and leg-spinner Adam Zampa played younger brother Trevor for the Australians, while Trent Boult did his best Brian McKechnie impersonation as Latham – aka Bruce Edgar – watched it unfold from the non-striker's end.

That amiability might be put to the test in tomorrow's must-win clash, as Australia look to retain the Chappell-Hadlee trophy they took from the Black Caps just two months ago.