Maxwell’s ton sends selectors a message

GLENN Maxwell smashed a century to show his tour intent in England and Marcus Stoinis made a pitch to play in the top order as the Aussies warmed up for their white-ball cricket showdown with England.

Stoinis, the leading runscorer in the Big Bash League last season, made 87 opening up in the all-Aussie clash, while Maxwell, who hasn’t played for Australia since last October, hit 11 fours and two sixes in his innings of 108 off just 114 balls.

Maxwell, recalled to the national side after stepping away from the game last summer for a mental health break, took to an attack which included Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon in the warm-up match in Southampton ahead of Friday’s (Saturday morning AEST) opening T20 clash with England.

The enigmatic Victorian hadn’t faced any bowlers in a centre-wicket hit since the BBL final in February, given lockdown restrictions in Melbourne, and took his new role as the “finisher” to get the Pat Cummins XI over the line.

“It was nice to get some rhythm,” Maxwell said.

“That’s all you can hope for as a middle-order batter, is a fight for spots and for guys to put their hands up and make some big scores and give the selectors something to think about.

“Can’t just have Warner, Finch and Smith making runs all the time, we’ve got to have other guys contributing.”

The trio of Warner (34), Finch (9) and Smith (8) combined for just 51 runs, with Warner and Finch opening for the Finch XI and Smith batting for the winning team.

Stoinis, who lost his Cricket Australia contract after being dumped from both the oneday and T20 national teams, made a significant statement, plundering 87 runs off 71 balls.

“Stoin batted beautifully,” said Maxwell, who put on 174 runs with Stoinis.

“It’s a scary sign for Australian cricket when he’s up and firing.”