Glenn Maxwell has been called up to the Australian Test squad as a replacement for Travis Head.
Glenn Maxwell (Courtesy: AP)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Maxwell’s last Test match was back in 2017
- The all-rounder was in good form during the ODI series
- Maxwell was picked ahead of the Australia A batters
Glenn Maxwell has been added to the Australian Test squad ahead of the first match against Sri Lanka in Galle. The all-rounder was called as a replacement for Travis Head, who sustained a hamstring strain during the ODI series against the island nation.
Maxwell’s last Test match was back in 2017 against Bangladesh in Chattogram. If he does get picked for the playing eleven for the match starting on next Wednesday, it will be the 33-year-old’s first first-class match since 2019.
All of Maxwell’s seven matches in the longest format of the game has happened in the sub-continent. His highest score of 104 came against India in Ranchi.
The all-rounder has been in good knick during the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Before the start of the tour, national selector George Bailey was open to the possibility of seeing Maxwell back in the Test squad.
“We know Glenn has had some red-ball success in these types of conditions and we’re looking forward to him getting back and playing a good block of cricket through the T20s and one-day cricket. If he shoots the lights out or anyone else does particularly well, there’s always going to be opportunities,” said Bailey.
Earlier on in the tour, Maxwell told cricket.com.au that he understood why he was not part of the Test squad. However, the all-rounder insisted that he hadn’t given up on the idea of representing Australia in the longer format.
“A guy that hasn’t played any first-class cricket would be a random pick. I know it’s specific to my skillset and the way I play slow bowling, especially in these conditions, that might have been something to sway them.”
“But I think the way they’ve shown faith in their current squad is brilliant. It’s nice that the door’s not closed but I also thought it was nice that they showed faith in that squad,” said Maxwell.
The all-rounder has been called up to the squad ahead of the Australia A batters who have been taking part in four-day matches against Sri Lanka.