Aussie cricket legend hits back after fans wiped her from the sport’s history as they celebrated Glenn Maxwell’s stunning World Cup double century at ODI World Cup

Decorated Aussie cricketer Belinda Clark has hit back after being overlooked by many fans following Glenn Maxwell’s stunning double century at the ODI World Cup in India.

Maxwell’s epic 201 not out against Afghanistan was in fact, not the highest score by an Australian in a 50 over a side contest.

Clark, an International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame representative, holds the record after she blasted an unbeaten 229 from 155 balls at the Women’s World Cup in 1997 versus Denmark.

She told Yahoo Sport Australia cricket audiences need to respect the feats of female players when talking records.

‘My view is we need to respect performances regardless of gender. There is space for everyone,’ she said.

Maxwell’s epic 201 not out against Afghanistan was, in fact, not the highest score by an Australian in a 50-over-a-side contest

Clark holds the record after she blasted an unbeaten 229 from 155 balls at the Women’s World Cup in 1997 versus Denmark

‘The error however is generally one-way traffic. Women have been playing cricket internationally since 1934.

‘I think it’s great and I’m pleased for Glenn and the team. It’s [the comparison with her innings] a talking point to further provide recognition of women’s sport. 

‘1997 was a long time ago, so I welcome him to the club.’

Freelance journalist Erin Delahunty ruffled a few feathers on X when she correctly pointed out Maxwell was the first Australian male player to blast a double century.

She was responding to an inaccurate claim from Indian reporter and cricket ‘influencer’ Johns Benny, who like many scribes, declared Maxwell was in uncharted sporting territory.

Benny has more than 430,000 followers on the social media platform and significant reach globally.

He later edited his post on X, but failed to acknowledge Clark’s achievement with the willow from 1997.

Despite suffering excruciating body cramps against Afghanistan, Maxwell is tipped to play on Saturday against Bangladesh at the ODI World Cup 

Meanwhile, paceman Josh Hazlewood expects Maxwell to face Bangladesh in Australia’s final round-robin match at the World Cup on Saturday from 4pm AEDT –  despite the gruelling nature of his spectacular innings against Afghanistan on Tuesday.

Maxwell suffered excruciating body cramps at Wankhede Stadium and almost retired hurt before engineering a famous three-wicket victory and securing a spot in the semi-finals against South Africa.

‘Yeah, I think he will play,’ Hazlewood said. [In terms of his recovery] it’s just about getting his hydration right and weight back to where it should be.

‘So hopefully, fingers crossed he’s all right.’