Australian limited-overs superstar Glenn Maxwell has been added to the Aussie Test squad ahead of the opening match against Sri Lanka in Galle following Travis Head‘s hamstring injury, which has ruled him out of the fifth and final ODI.
Maxwell is back in the red-balls quad after a long time. The Victorian last played a Test was back in 2017 against Bangladesh in Chattogram. So far, Maxwell has only played seven Tests, and interestingly all seven of his Tests have come on the subcontinent with a top score of 104 against India in Ranchi.
Before the ongoing tour against the Islanders, national selector George Bailey kept the door open for Maxwell’s return. Notably, Maxi has been in good touch during the ODIs. He has smashed a match-winning unbeaten 80 in the opening game, followed by 30 and 33.
“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,” Bailey said.
Earlier in the trip, Maxwell had claimed he had not given up hope of getting another chance to war the prestigious baggy green again.
“A guy that hasn’t played any first-class cricket would be a random pick,” Maxwell had told cricket.com.au.
“I know it’s specific to my skill set 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,” added Maxwell.
