“THIS is ABC Grandstand, I’m Jim Maxwell.”
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Whether they come from the Melbourne or Sydney Cricket Grounds, or even the WACA every cricket fan nation wide knows those words very well.
One of the few non-players synonymous with cricket in this country, radio commentator Jim Maxwell is one of the country’s most revered sports presenters and was on hand at Orange Emus’ Long Lunch yesterday to give the wanting crowd a glimpse into his stellar career.
Maxwell was the guest speaker at the annual event, talking for over an hour and a half about life, cricket, sport in general and even political correctness in the media.
“I love the contact with people away from the main stage,” Maxwell said when asked about his motivation to come to Orange.
“It’s all part of the basic fabric of any sport, the grassroots. I love being involved with local sport, I’m president of Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club and involved with Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club as well.
“I wish I could do more of this type of thing, this has been great fun.”
Maxwell’s career in the media has spanned over 40 years, and he has covered almost 250 Test matches, countless other international and domestic cricket matches along with a host of other sports, including three Olympic Games.
One of the most respected cricket critics of all time, Maxwell didn’t hesitate to nominate Shane Warne as the best cricketer in history before answering the one question every cricket fan is dying to know the answer to - what is Richie Benaud like?
“What he could do on the field was ridiculous, he was just a freak,” Maxwell said.
“Richie is a shrewd observer of cricket and life. He keeps it all in balance, and will give you a thoughtful and measured response to any question you ask.”