The victory in the second Test at Chittagong might offer some relief for Australia, but that’s again just temporary. By no means can the Steven Smith led-outfit relax now, given the fact that the all important home Ashes awaits the team within the next couple of months.
Having lost the urn to England in 2015, in a 3-2 series defeat, Australia will be keen to regain the title come January. A key member of that Australian side is bound to be their number six candidate, Glenn Maxwell. The Victorian basher, often termed as a not so Test player, stunned everyone with a century at Ranchi against India, the only of his Test career, in March.
Putting his money on Maxwell, and advocating for his selection, was Shane Warne. In a telecast with Sky Sports, Warne was of the view that Maxwell could play some decisive knocks for Australia at six.
“Maxwell is the X-factor at No.6,” Warne said. “He’s tightened his technique up a little bit and can really get hold of you.”
The champion leg-spinner also backed England to select Alex Hales, for the vacant middle-order position.
“I think Alex Hales has got a better game for Australian conditions,” Warne said. “Westley has got a scrambled brain, he cannot go to Australia with a scrambled brain, I think he will get worked out. “He’s got too many issues that he needs to sort out.”
“Westley hasn’t done enough; I think Malan has got something about him, I think he’s maybe one of the spare batsmen. “But Westley doesn’t make it, for me. I think Hales is the better player. The question was, is there anyone better, I think Hales is a better player. Plays the short stuff very, very well too,” Warne added.