Maxwell planning on Shield cameo

GLENN Maxwell is keen to end a three-year first-class cricket absence by playing for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield this year.

At various stages over the past couple of years it has looked doubtful whether Maxwell would play red-ball cricket for his state again, with the all-rounder having seemingly been bypassed as a legitimate option for home Tests, and given his many white-ball commitments.

Maxwell has not played a first-class match since his appearance for the Vics against Western Australia in Perth in October 2019. Shortly after that match he took an extended break from the game to deal with mental health issues, while a crammed schedule since the pandemic has also limited his chances to play.

But while Australian selectors have indicated that playing regularly in the Shield is not a prerequisite for Test selection in Asia – evidenced by Maxwell (pictured) being added to the Test squad in Sri Lanka earlier this year – the dynamic batter, with seven first-class centuries to his name, is nevertheless eyeing more time in the Shield.

The Vics have two Shield matches – at home against Tasmania (MCG) and NSW (Junction Oval) – in late November and early December, a clear window for the Australian white-ball sides and before the start of the Big Bash League season, where Maxwell is once again set to lead the Melbourne Stars.

“I think there’s a really good chance,” Maxwell said.

“I sat down with a few of the Vic coaches earlier this year and said there’s a little period there where I might be free of international cricket.”