Glenn Maxwell could be in line to make a comeback to Australia’s Test team next year with the selectors looking to make some massive changes to the side to defend their World Test Championship title.
According to a report by the Australian news outlet, Sydney Morning Herald, the all-rounder could make a return to the red-ball side for their subcontinent tour of Sri Lanka in February next year.
The report suggested that Maxwell could be batting in the lower order just above the likes of the skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon at number seven or eight. Another big change could include Travis Head being sent to open the batting in place of Steven Smith as the two would swap places.
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Maxwell made his Test debut back in 2013 and last played in the format in 2017. He only has seven games under his belt where he has scored 339 runs which includes one century. He also has a four-fer with the ball which came in his debut Test against India in Hyderabad.
He has shown that he can bowl long spells which could be an added asset for the Aussies who will look to make use of his skills in the subcontinental conditions which could prove to be favourable for the spinners and support the lead spinner in the experienced Nathan Lyon.
The 35-year-old last played a Test in 2017 which was against Bangladesh in Chattogram and has been utilised as a white-ball specialist since.
However, one massive issue that might make the situation complicated is Maxwell’s participation with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League. Since the schedules overlap, the all-rounder could be missing out a few games in the tournament to help be in the best shape for the Test tour.
Maxwell has hoped that he would be able to get back into the Test side way back in November 2023 and the Sri Lanka series is one that he is gunning for in terms of selection.
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“It’s pretty clear that I’ve always had a pretty solid game in subcontinent conditions and it’s been something that has developed since my first tour over there [in 2013],” Maxwell was quoted earlier by the Sydney Morning Herald in a previous interaction.
“Just the fact I was able to be on the Sri Lanka tour last year is a sign they still have me in their thoughts and see me as an option. Regardless of whether I played one or 30 games in red-ball cricket, I’m still going to be an option to go over there,” he added.
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