Legendary cricketer and former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has voiced his opinion on all-rounder Glenn Maxwell’s Test future. Despite being a pivotal part of Australia’s victorious 2023 ODI World Cup squad, Maxwell did not secure a spot in the AUS vs PAK Test series.
No Maxwell in AUS vs PAK
Maxwell played a crucial role in Australia’s record-extending sixth ODI World Cup triumph, contributing significantly to their victory over India in the final. However, despite his standout performances, he found himself excluded from Australia’s squad for the three-match Test series against Pakistan on home soil.
Ponting expressed his reservations, suggesting that Maxwell’s exclusion from the Test squad stems from his limited success in scoring first-class runs.
“No one deserves a chance unless you’ve got a truckload of first-class runs behind you. I’m a no, he doesn’t deserve it. But if he gets a chance to go back and make some first-class runs then he can force his way back in,” Ponting said while speaking to Channel 7.
Having participated in only seven Test matches for Australia, Maxwell has amassed 339 runs at an average of 26.08, with a top score of 104. His last appearance in the Test format for Australia dates back to 2017.
Glenn Maxwell remains confident of Test return
However, the star all-rounder has not closed the door on his Test career. In a conversation with SEN, Maxwell expressed his determination to secure a spot in the Australian Test side.
“I’m quite understanding of the circumstances of the current side. They’re playing some really good cricket, they’re World Test champions. There are not a lot of spots up for grabs as far as Tests at home.”
“But I know that when it does come to a sub-continent tour I can be a real viable option to hopefully fill a role in that side. So, I’ll keep trying to plug away and hopefully get an opportunity at that stage,” said Maxwell.
Currently, Australia are facing Pakistan in the second day of the AUS vs PAK Test series at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
