Former Australia pacer Doug Bollinger was unable to comprehend why Glenn Maxwell was left out of Australia’s Test squad for PAK vs AUS series. The pacer cited Maxi’s form to back his inclusion in the red-format squad. Pakistan is touring Australia for a three-match Test series which commences from December 14.
‘Why isn’t Maxwell picked?’
Maxwell has had a splendid run so far this year, with impressive performances in the recently concluded World Cup 2023. Doug Bollinger noted that Maxwell has played Test cricket before and that he could be useful for the side in Australian conditions. He further added that it did not matter where the power hitter batted in the order, adding that he was thinking outside the box and noting that he was called a ‘moron’ for backing Scot Boland’s inclusion a few years ago.
“I even said to a few people, why wouldn’t they pick ‘Maxi’ in the Test squad the way he’s batting? He’s played Test cricket before. In Australian conditions, it’d be interesting. Who cares (where you put him), put everyone up the order. I like thinking outside the square like that mate. I said to pick Scott Boland a few years ago and I got called a moron,” Bollinger said, speaking on SEN 1170 Mornings.
Maxwell has played seven Tests so far in his career and has registered 339 runs at an average of 26.08. Riding high on confidence, the right-handed batter showcased his power-hitting ability at the World Cup, having scored a double ton and two centuries.
Pakistan vs Australia Schedule
1st Test: December 14-18, Perth
2nd Test: December 26-30, Melbourne
3rd Test: January 3-7, Sydney
Squads for AUS vs PAK Test Series
Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Australia squad for 1st Test vs Pakistan (AUS vs PAK) Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner.