The Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has dismissed the claims that he can be Australia’s X-factor in the upcoming Magellan Ashes Test series.
Recently, Australian spinning legend Shane Warne admitted that the hard-hitting Maxwell has the capability of the course of the game if selected for the first Ashes Test slated to start from November 23.
However, Maxwell feels that he is more than just an X-factor and will build his case according to his reliability.
“Maxwell is the X-factor at No.6. He’s tightened his technique up a little bit and can really get hold of you,” Warne said while talking to Sky Sports in September while naming his Ashes XI.
Maxwell, who was recently promoted to no 3 in a JLT Sheffield Shield game, is on a mission to change his reputation. Maxwell was worked hard to improve his defense and believed he had grown himself into a dependable batsman.
“I’m not talking about the word ‘X-factor’ again. I think (selectors) made it pretty clear that they wanted the top six batters in the country and I want to put my hand up and be one of them. I have the ability to score quickly at stages but I think, the way I’ve been playing recently, I’ve been more concentrating on just playing good cricket shots and making sure that I’m there for a longer period of time,” Maxwell said while talking to the media earlier today.
Maxwell pushed his chances for the no. six spot in the first Ashes Tests with two brilliant half-centuries in two innings for Victoria which ended up in a draw against South Australia.
Peter Handscomb, the captain of the Victoria team, said that the decision to promote Maxwell up in the order was taken to forge a balance in the batting line-up as Handscomb Aaron Finch for four and five respectively.
“He was just really calculated.”He was able to go in and out attacking bowlers, but then understanding the right moments to defend as well. When he was batting against the ball that wasn’t moving, he was able to play his shots a little bit more,” Handscomb while talking to RSN Radio said about Maxwell’s knock.
Maxwell scored his first Test century in India earlier this and felt his form in the subcontinent will help his cause.
“I feel like I’m starting ahead of the pack because I played the last Test (in Bangladesh) and I think I was undefeated. Even if it was in a different country, I feel like I batted quite well and I showed some really good signs. Hopefully, that holds me in good stead,” the 29-year-old Maxwell concluded.