India vs Australia 2017: Very Happy To Get Back Into Test Team, Says Ranchi Test Centurion Glenn Maxwell
Mar 17, 2017 at 5:20 PM
Australia’s wildcard entrant Glenn Maxwell has expressed great delight after proving his worth as a Test cricketer. The modern day all-rounder, termed as a limited-overs specialist, resumed at his overnight score of 82 on Day 2 of the third Test at Ranchi and went on to score his maiden century. Maxwell, in his knock of 104 off 185 deliveries, was appreciated for his temperament and the adjustment he did to his natural aggressive instinct. This innings is now regarded as a sort of revival of his Test career, which was stalled for three years after featuring in just three Tests.
“Very happy to get back in the Test team firstly but that hundred was really special. That partnership with Smudge has put us in a really good position. One or two more wickets early will set the game up nicely. My numbers didn’t back me up back home in the domestic season but selectors did show faith in me,” Maxwell said in the post-match interview.
Maxwell also gave a hint of what his team would focus on when they come out to bowl on Day 3. Australia got a strong reply in the last session from India as the hosts ended at 120/1 at stumps. However, the pitch isn’t the same flat deck that it was on Day 1 and has begun to wear out slowly which would make batting difficult in upcoming days.
“To produce that sort of innings was pleasing. The pitch was a bit more difficult this morning. A bit more up-and-down and a bit more inconsistent spin. Hopefully, it continues to wear off and we set up a first innings lead. Had a fair bit of time to play in the nets in the last couple of weeks. Was just trying to make sure I was ready if called upon.
“I’ll try my best to contribute in the field. Have to be disciplined with our line and lengths, especially with the quicks. When the ball goes soft, it will be about keeping the runs down and hitting the stumps I suppose,” he concluded.