Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell would hope to get a ticket to India when the Australian selectors will sit down on Sunday to select the squad for the four-Test series in India, starting February 23.
The all-rounder has struggled to get into the Australian team in recent months but given his track record in sub-continent, the selectors might consider him. The 28-year-old has played all of his three Tests in the sub-continent and with newcomer Nic Maddinson struggling to perform well, the Victoria all-rounder can find himself on the plane for the India tour. One of the few Australian batsmen who can play spin really well, Maxwell’s vast experience in the Indian Premier League can also tilt the balance in his favour. Moreover, he can also bowl some useful off-spin which might come in handy in Indian conditions.
Australia wicket-keeper Mathew Wade too admitted that Maxwell’s name might do the rounds when selectors name the squad.
Speaking after scoring a century in the win over Pakistan, he said:“He plays spin really well and he bowls right-arm offspin. He’ll definitely be in the mix, I would have thought.”
Majority of the players who were a part of the squad during the 3-0 win over Pakistan in the Test series are expected to retain their place as the team from Down Under will look to improve their dismal record in sub-continent.
Meanwhile, Wade has said he is relaxed ahead of the team selection. The left-handed batsman replaced Peter Nevill in the last Test during the series against South Africa but his place in the team has come under severe scrutiny after he scored only 50 runs in four matches he played. It has raised speculations that Nevill might get a call back to the team but Wade is not worried.
“I’m not nervous about selection, I’d be nervous if we lost four Test matches in a row but we’re winning games and the team’s going really well,” Wade said.
The batting and the pace bowling departments look settled but there is still a debate over Nathan Lyon’s spin partner in India. The selectors have more or less confirmed that left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe will be a part of the squad while Australia captain Steve Smith has suggested Ashton Agar was a part of selectors’ plans earlier this month. Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh are also expected to be considered seriously for the tour but everything will become clear only after the meeting concludes on Sunday.