Flamboyant Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell was dropped from the ODI team last evening for the first time since November 2014. Maxwell was dropped on account of dismal batting form in the first two games of the tri-series in West Indies. The destructive right-hander was replaced by youngster Travis Head.
2016 has not been a kind year for Maxwell, to say the least. The enterprising batsman just has one good knock to his credit so far, against India at the MCG. Maxwell, in January against India, played a delightful knock of 96 runs at his home ground to guide his side through in a tricky run chase. Since then, his willow has been silent and has generated rather sorry returns for the team.
The tour of New Zealand was a nightmare for Maxwell as he averaged just in single digits. The first two games of the tri-series too depicted a sorry tale for the right-hander. However, post-Australia’s win over South Africa, David Warner backed his teammate to do well in the near future.
“He took it (Axing) pretty well. I think he knows that he wasn’t scoring as many runs as he’d like and not having as much impact with the ball,” Warner said. “You’ve got to take what the selectors have told you on the chin, (and) work on getting better in the areas you have to improve on.”He’s the type of quality player that will get himself back into this team by doing just that.”
While speaking about his own knock, Warner said that he was delighted with his effort as he converted his start into a big score. “Sometimes I have wasted my opportunities in the ODI format. Threw away my wicket many times in New Zealand, threw away some runs today as well, to be honest. You have to make the most of the first 10 overs in these conditions. Have to try to take the ego out of it and bat properly,” said Warner.