GLENN Maxwell has revealed his time with Lancashire saw him strike up a special friendship with fellow all-rounder Josh Bohannon.

The 22-year-old from Bolton hit his maiden first-team century in the recent win against Derbyshire at Old Trafford, his 174 setting up an innings victory for the Division Two champions.

“My heart was pumping the whole time, and it was the most joy I’ve ever had for someone getting their first hundred,” Australian overseas star Maxwell said.

“I turned up at the first training session at Loughborough (in April) and thought, ’This kid can bat’.

“He was pretty special, and I asked if he didn’t mind me giving him some hints and tips. We clicked.

“Both our partners are now really good friends, and we’ve been on countless double dates.

“He’s stayed with me a bunch of times, and we’ve worked on our games together.

“It’s been frustrating for him at times this season. He hasn’t spent a lot of time at the crease, so to get the opportunity at number three and play the way he did (was great).

“I’ll be staying in contact with him for as long as I can. We are very close friends.”

 Maxwell’s influence on the Red Rose’s season – semi-finals of the Royal London Cup and quarter-finals in the Vitality Blast added to promotion – stretches beyond runs, wickets and catches.

Not surprisingly, the club are keen for him to return next summer. That Australia are over here for a T20 and ODI series in July must boost Lancashire’s chances.

He said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every day I’ve had with the Lancashire boys.

“We felt disappointed by the early exits from the one-day and T20 competitions, but to leave on the high of promotion is really special.

“I was available for a lot of four-day cricket this year.

“I don’t get a lot back home with the way our scheduling goes, so to be available for as many games as I was was brilliant.

“I’ve felt really involved with this group ever since I met them.

“To be involved with a team the whole year and enjoy the highs and lows has been amazing.

“I’ve made some really close friends, and you never know in the future I might come back.”