I have been following cricket since 1967 tour of Pakistan to England. I still have faint memories of 190 runs World record partnership for the ninth wicket between great Asif Iqbal and legendary Intikhab Alam. Pakistan was down and out! Though it lost the match but the team won the hearts and minds of the crowd at the oval ground as of those glued to their TVs and radios. The record remained unbroken for almost thirty years.

From that point onwards, I have witnessed many rearguard actions, many fightbacks, many lone battles etc. But I have not witnessed anything like Glen Maxwell displayed in Australia vs Afghanistan World Cup match! From 91 for 7, he single-handedly steered Australia to victory. He did while he was barely able to stand on his feet, let alone walking or running between the wickets. There was only one thing in his mind; to take Australia through into the semis! He was down and out; but not defeated in his mind. Consequently, he played an inning which likes of Tendulkar, Ponting, Kallis, Richards, Lara, Alistair Cook, Sangakara and Gavaskar would envy to play once in a lifetime.

It was because Maxwell simply refused to quit. While Zampa was walking up and down the aisles to replace him at the crease and bring an end to his agony, Maxwell refused to retire hurt. He had already completed his century and many a lesser souls would have settled with this personal landmark but Maxwell had the victory of Australia fixed in his mind. He kept fighting and preserved himself in the annals of the history by not quitting because quitters are not winners.

Here is a lesson of a lifetime for each one of us also. Don’t ever quit! Most Salespeople lose because they quit after two-three-four calls and end up in mediocrity.