Maxwell would love to bat higher
CRICKET: Glenn Maxwell would love a promotion up the order in Australia’s one-day side, but the in-form batsman insists he’s also content, confident and capable at No.7.
Maxwell’s place in the order is among the burning issues Australia must settle before this year’s World Cup defence in England.
Having been demoted to No.7 during the home summer, Maxwell has passed 50 just once in his past 17 ODI innings.
The all-rounder noted earlier this week he was unsure if he would even be picked in Australia’s 15-man World Cup squad.
But Maxwell at his best, as he was at No.4 during an astonishing knock of 113 not out that delivered Australia a Twenty20 series victory over India in Bangalore on Wednesday, shapes as arguably Justin Langer’s most potent trump card in England.
Maxwell admits he would like to bat higher up the order than No.7 during the ODI series against India, starting in Hyderabad tomorrow night.
“If an opportunity does come up, I’d love to take it,” he said.
“It’d be nice to bat higher but there’s obviously a lot of wellcredentialed players in our top four and top five that thoroughly deserve their spot.
“I’m not too fazed, to be honest. Even when I came in tonight, there were still 16 overs to bat and I was able to get a hundred, so even if I’m doing that at No.7 or No.6 it doesn’t really matter.
“It’s just about me making the most of opportunities when I do get them.”
Australia play five ODIs against India then five against Pakistan before the Cup squad is picked.