Hodge in Maxwell corner
BRAD Hodge has joined the chorus of former Test players urging selectors to stick with Glenn Maxwell for the Ashes.
Who will be picked at No.6 remains the greatest unknown ahead of the squad for the first Test being named on Friday.
The two most recent occupants are Maxwell and Western Australia’s Hilton Cartwright.
But the door could still be ajar for a bolter such as WA’s Cameron Bancroft, who has racked up several big scores in the Sheffield Shield.
Hodge, who has signed with Melbourne Renegades for the next Big Bash season, says fellow Victorian Maxwell has shown he is capable of thriving under adversity.
“I think he’s earned the opportunity,” Hodge said yesterday.
“No one has jumped out of their skin to try and take that position. I definitely think he’s got the technique to come in at 4-100 when Australia’s under pressure.
“That’s the one thing people need to clarify. It’s not coming in at 4-270 when you’re already in front, it’s coming in under pressure, and that’s one of the things selectors will probably look at.”
Test greats Shane Warne and Michael Slater both recently declared Maxwell deserved to play in his first Test series on home soil.