Among the positives for Australia during their Test series against India earlier this year, was the mindset displayed by Glenn Maxwell. Coming out to bat at a crucial juncture on the first day at Ranchi, Maxwell put up a show of brilliance as he got to his maiden Test century. With that knock, the Victorian all-rounder presented his case for the number six slot with authority and all eyes remain on him in the lead-up to the Ashes later this year.
With Australia set to host the rivalry this time, former greats have weighed in all options and backed Maxwell to excel at number six, later this year. The part-time spinner faces tough competition in the form of pace bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and Hilton Cartwright. Given his performance in India though, Maxwell could well be the favourite for that number six slot.
“It’s hard not to give to Maxwell after that century he made in India,” Healy said. “It was a wonderful century, I’ve never seen him bat so well. “His footwork that day was the best I’d seen in a long, long time. “I hope he can start the summer like that and really apply himself and showcase those kind of skills once again when conditions aren’t going to be as tough as they were in India. “He’s the frontrunner but his part-time bowling is not getting used so is there someone who could bat at No.6 even better?”
Ian Chappell, though, had his reservations about Maxwell’s style of play against short pitched bowling. The legendary captain also spoke about skipper Steven Smith’s tilt towards a seam bowling all-rounder.
“Maxwell would have to prove himself as a batsman at No.6 in Australia, in my mind,” Chappell said. “I think you’ll see a bit more short-pitched bowling in Australia. “There’s no doubt he’s got the skill to do the job and if he shows the sort of patience he showed in making that hundred in India then he could the position down no problem at all. “He could certainly be your second spinner but I just get the feeling Steve Smith likes that extra seamer up his sleeve.”